
Class.. 

Book, - /\ 4 



? 



2; 



HISTORY 



Slibrttrgment of fBumw, 



TOGETHER WITH 



SKETCHES OF THE LIVES 



THEE, CALVIN AND ZUINGLE. 



THREE CELEBRATED REFORMERS OF THE CONTINENT. 



BY THE REV. BENJAMIN ALLEN, 

RECTOR OF ST. PATTl's CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. 



And God said, Let there be light, and there ivas light: 



SECOND EDITION. 



PHILADELPHIA : 
Published by E. Littell, 88 Chestnut Street. 

Clark & Raser, Printers, 33 Carter's Alley. 
182^. 



I 







\ % 



E&stem District of Pennsylvania, to wit: 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the first day of February, in the fori 
seventh year of the independence of the United States of America, A. D. 18: 
the Rev. Benjamin Allen, of the said district, hath deposited in this office t 
title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the Avoids followk 
to wit: 

" History of the Reformation. Being an Abridgment of Burnet ; together with 
Sketches of the Lives of Luther, Calvin, and Zuingle, the three celebrated 
Reformers of the Continent. By the Rev. Benjamin Alien, Rector of St. 
Paul's Church, Philadelphia.—' And God said, Let there be light, and there 
was light.' — Second edition." 
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " au 
Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, 
and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein 
mentioned"— And also to the act, entitled, " An Act supplementary to an Act, ! 
entitled, 'An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies oil 
Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the 
times therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of design- j 
ing r engraving, and etching historical and other prints." 

D. CALDWELL, 
CleTk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 



From the Theological Repertory for December, 1820, 
** The period which this history embraces, and the events which 
?t details, are certainly among' the most interesting disclosed in the 
annals of mankind. 

"It has long been a source of regret to us, that the substance of 
Bishop Burnet's work, which, not only in its original form, but even 
in the abridgment extant, is too voluminous to be generally pos- 
sessed or read by our lay brethren, should not have been brought 
into a compass sufficiently moderate to render it accessible to all. 
Our wishes, in this respect, are in a good measure accomplished 
by Mr. Allen's Abridgment. It will comprise, in a single volume 
of a medial duodecimo size, a judicious selection of properly con- 
nected facts, distributed into chapters of convenient length, and 
expressed in a style in which the perspicuous, concise, and simple 
manner of the original — and, in many instances, the precise lan- 
guage are preserved. This plan of abridgment will form no in- 
considerable recommendation of the work, to those acquainted 
with the historical writings of Bishop Burnet." 

From the Churchman's Magazine for August, 1821. 
" The want of a work of this description has been long felt and 
acknowledged. The history of the great and interesting events, 
by which the reformation of the church was effected, has hitherto 
been found only in large and expensive volumes, and, consequently, 
has been accessible to very few. Hence, a work comprehending, 
in a narrow compass, all the principal facts immediately connected 
with the religious concerns of the interesting period of the Refor- 
mation, has been much desired. Such a work is now presented to 
the public, by the reverend author of this abridgment. We may 
safely say, that the author has executed his task with strict fidelity. 
All the leading and prominent facts are detailed; and they are pre- 
sented to the reader with perfect fairness and candour. The work 
exhibits a lively sketch of those wonderful events, by which a kind 
and overruling Providence rescued an important branch of the 
Christian church from papal bondage and corruption, and restored 
it to the glorious liberty of the gospel, and to the simplicity and 
purity of its primitive state. It shows us how the church from 
which we have immediately descended, was preserved through 
wars and revolutions — through the terrors of persecution and mar- 
tyrdom — and placed on a secure and permanent foundation. And 
it teaches us how much good and holy men have suffered, as in- 
struments in the hand of Providence, for transmitting to their pos- 
terity and to the world the blessed privilege of worshipping God 
according to the rule of faith once delivered to the saints, and 
agreeably to the perfect pattern exhibited in the example of our 
Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles." 

Considering the propriety of introducing the work into schools 
— the Gospel Advocate for July, 1822, thus mentions it : 



1Y REVIEWS. 

" It must be considered as an important work, and deserving of 
much commendation. No reason can be assigned why some know* 
ledge of ecclesiastical history should not make a part of the reK^ 
gious education of children. Epitomes of civil and political history 
have been found eminently useful as preparatory to more extended 
knowledge. And if abridgments of Roman and Grecian history 
are introduced into our schools, why not also abridgments of the 
history of the Christian church ? If our children are made acquaint- 
ed at an early period with the events which led to the independence 
of our country, and the establishment of our present happy and 
prosperous civil institutions, why should they not also learn some- 
thing of those interesting facts which relate to the purification of 
our mother church from those corruptions which had been intro- 
duced by her subjection to the see of Rome." 

From the Episcopal Magazine for September, 1821. 

" The reverend author appears to have performed his laborious 
task with great fidelity, perspicuity, and judgment. He has con- 
densed within a small compass a great mass of information, and 
while he makes the reader sufficiently acquainted with the princi- 
pal actors in this mighty revolution, he does not omit to touch very 
frequently on the secret springs that contributed to its success. 
Throughout the whole course of its progress, he. clearly traces the 
finger of God, calling the attention of the reader to the secret 
workings of Providence in controlling the opposition of the most 
powerful, and confounding the wisdom of the wisest. No Protest- 
ant, however limited his education, should be ignorant of the facts 
contained in this abridgment. They will probably tend, more than 
any earthly consideration, to make him appreciate and cherish his 
religious privileges, and hold fast the liberty by which Christ has 
made him free. To adopt the eloquent language of the writer; 
'who that sees the bright day of the gospel beginning to embrace 
the earth, but must hear with astonishment of times when a war- 
rant from the throne was necessary before a single cottager could 
read his Bible ; and who that thus hears, but must call on his soul 
and all within him, to bless the name of that God whose voice, 
through the medium of Bible Societies, is sounding over all the 
habitations of man those words of ancient date, * let there be light,' 
nor sounding them in vain, since from the rising of the sun unto 
the going down of the same, we may already say, ' there is light.* 
To the abridgment of the history, the author has annexed brief 
sketches of the lives of Luther, Calvin, and Zuingle, they having 
been the principal actors in the great work of Reformation. These 
sketches are drawn with precision, fidelity, and candour, and can- 
not fail to interest every intelligent reader, who will discover in 
them the prominent features of these illustrious men." 

From the Port Folio for September, 1821. 
" We consider Mr. Allen's a very useful and interesting book, 
which ought to be generally read. We are pleased to hear that it 
is likely soon to arrive at a second edition." 



PIB&Il > &(gifio 



A traveller, in passing along an interesting 
country, and beholding pyramids of lofty 
structure, or edifices of mighty arch, would 
feel some satisfaction in hearing who were 
their founders, and reading the story of their 
progress through the various stages of their 
Herculean task to the bringing forth of the 
topstone. Travellers in the moral world, who 
behold the triumphal arch of Protestantism, 
and see the during pillars on which it rests, 
must feel a holy curiosity concerning the ori- 
ginal builders, their toils, their trials, their 
perseverance, and their death: and if, as is 
the fact, any of them cemented their work 
with their blood, great must be the interest 
felt in their history. To such travellers an 
account of the reformers of the church of 
England, cannot fail to present an inviting re- 
past. They were so calm, enlightened, and 
steady, in the pursuit of their object; they mani- 
a 2 



VI PREFACE. 

fested so much of the wisdom of the serpent, 
combined with the harmlessness of the dove ; the 
result of their labours was so important; their 
sufferings were so great; and their martyrdoms 
so violent, that we cannot contemplate them 
without both profit and pleasure. Who that 
lives in this latter day, but must read with sur- 
prise, of times when men were sent to the 
stake for teaching the creed, the Lord's 
prayer, and the ten commandments, to their 
children; and who that thus reads, but must 
feel a lively gratitude to God for the rich pri- 
vileges which now beam upon his path? Who 
that sees the bright day of the gospel begin- 
ning to embrace the earth, but must hear with 
astonishment of times when a warrant from 
the throne was necessary, before a single cot- 
tager could read his Bible; and who that thus 
hears, but must call on his soul, and all within 
him, to bless the name of that God, whose 
voice, through the medium of the Bible Soci- 
ety, is sounding o'er all the habitations of man, 
those words of ancient date, " Let there be 
light," nor sounding them in vain, since, from 
the rising of the sun unto the going down of 
the same, we may already say, there is light? 
Who that loves the doctrine and order of the' 



PREFACE. Vll 

church, but must behold with pleasure that 
doctrine, and that order, rising from the rub- 
bish of Roman superstition, in which, for cen- 
turies, it lay buried, and asserting to the world 
its pure and primitive character? And who 
that delights in moral grandeur, such as that 
which shone in apostolic days, when ancient, 
became the prototype of modern Rome, and 
heathen emperors the forerunner of Christian 
popes, but must be gratified in approaching 
the fires of Smithfield, and witnessing the. 
triumphant constancy of a host of martyrs? 

All these views, interesting as they are, 
have hitherto been locked up from the people 
of this country in alarming volumes, found in 
the libraries of very few. The object of this 
work is to present the cream of those volumes 
in short and comprehensive details, embracing 
every thing in them of importance connected 
with religion. The style has, generally, been 
changed. Occasionally the language of the 
original has been preserved, and always, per- 
fect faithfulness to its ideas has been aimed at. 

For greater convenience, the work has 
been divided into chapters. Introductory 
remarks have been added, for which the au- 
thor of this abridgment is, alone, accountable. 



VIII PREFACE. 

May the spirit of the Most High reform 
the world, and bring the various members of 
the catholic, or universal church to see eye to 
eye, until they become one fold in name, as 
well as in fact, and the knowledge of the Lord 
cover the earth as the waters the face of the 
great deep. 

Oharlestown, Jefferson County, (Va.) October, 1820. 



In presenting a second edition, the author 
of this abridgment desires to express his sense 
of obligation to the numerous friends who 
have favoured the work with reviews, and 
improved it by useful suggestions. 

Philadelphia, February, 1823. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

State of England — Wolsey — First beginnings of refor- 
mation — Henry's book — Tindal's translation — Henry 
wishes a divorce — His applications to Rome — Cran- 
mer — Wolsey ruined — The clergy attacked — Appli- 
cation to the Universities — Successive attacks upon. 
Rome — Henry marries Ann Boleyn — Cranmer con- 
secrated—Catharine divorced — Popery condemned, 

13 

CHAPTER II. 

The King's supremacy asserted — First fruits given to 
the King — Suffragan Bishops — Tindal's translation 
circulated — Persecutions — Henry against reformation 
— Visitation of monasteries— Their corruptions — 
Suppression of monasteries — Translation of the Bible 
authorized — Queen Ann executed — The Pope seeks 
a reconciliation— First articles of religion— Injunc- 
tions — Rebellion — Relics and shrines abolished, 29 

CHAPTER III. 

The Bible published — Injunctions to the clergy — Craii- 
mer loses ground — Popery gains an advantage — The 
six articles — Henry's attachment to Cranmer — Per- 
secution — Private persons allowed Bibles— New arti- 
cles — Free will — Second edition of the Bible — State 
of Scotland — Injunctions laid by Bonner — Preaching 
of the friars — Written sermons, - - - 45 

CHAPTER IV. 

Cranmer's industry and sound judgment — His success 
— Persons who might read the Bible — Persecution—* 



X CONTENTS. 

Attempt on Cranmer — His forgiving temper — Ex- 
tracts from the canon law of Rome— Translation of 
part of the service — Reforming bishops appointed — 
Persecution — Design upon Cranmer — Frustrated by 
Henry — Henry's death, - - - - - 60 

CHAPTER V. 

King Edward — Germany — Reformation urged on — 
Want of Clergymen — Homilies prepared — Ignorance 
of the people — Articles and injunctions — Mary op- 
poses the reformation — Laws against heretics repeal- 
ed — Mode of choosing bishops — Commission appoint- 
ed to revise the liturgy — Germany — -Popish rites 
abolished — Images destroyed, - - - 68 

CHAPTER VI. 

Progress of the liturgy — Romish indulgences — Cran- 
mer's catechism — Primitive liturgies — Rornish abuse 
of a liturgy — Romish rites abolished — Practices in the 
Primitive church — Germany — Calvin's letter to the 
Protector — The liturgy established — Gloria in excel- 
sis — Fasting, - - - - * - - 82. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Great attachment to the Reformation expressed — Com- 
plaints against the Priests — Real presence discussed 
— Anabaptists — Joan of Kent — Infant baptism — Pre- 
destination — Rebellion, 93 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Ridley's honesty — Bonner — Protector sent to the Tower 
— Form of ordination — Ridley consecrated bishop of 
London — Latimer's faithfulness — Hooper's objection 
to the episcopal vestments — Bucer's opinion about 
them — The liturgy reviewed — Bucer's advice — His 
advice to the king about rural bishops, &c. — -Ridley's 
visitation — Germany — The Interim — Popish clergy 
dissemble — Cranmer's tenderness — Death of Bucer — 
Degradation of Gardiner, - 105 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER IX. 

Articles of religion — Prayer Book — Reasons for using 
the confession and absolution — The ten command- 
ments — For kneeling at the sacrament — The lady 
Mary still a papist — Duke of Somerset beheaded — 
Germany — Council of Trent, - - - 118 

CHAPTER X. 

Ecclesiastical laws — The Trinity, &c. — Heresies — 
Punishment of heretics and others— Against Simony 
— Examination of candidates for orders — Purgation 
— The poor — Church officers — Duty of bishops — An- 
nual convocations — Excommunication — Receiving of 
penitents — Reformation of the clergy — Council of 
Trent — Dioceses divided — Mode of appointing bishops 
— Letters patent to teach the catechism— Sickness of 
Edward — His charities — His death — His character, 

126 
CHAPTER XI. 

Lady Jane Gray proclaimed — Mary made Queen — Her 
character — Gardiner's policy — Edward's funeral- 
Disturbance at St. Paul's — Mary's answer to the met! 
of Suffolk — Bradford and Rogers imprisoned— Popish 
bishops restored — The reformers turned out of their 
pulpits, and papists put in their places — Hooper and 
others imprisoned — Images, Latin service and old 
rites, once more — Cranmer's conduct — He refuses to 
fly — He and Latimer sent to the Tower — The queen 
treats with the pope— Joy at Rome — Pool sent as le- 
gate but stopped — Lady Jane Gray executed — Eliza- 
beth imprisoned — Popery re-established throughout 
England — Dispute at Oxford — Cranmer, Latimer, and 
Ridley, condemned, - - - - - 146 

CHAPTER XII. 

Conduct of the Reformers in prison — Mary married to 
Philip — Cardinal Pool arrives— Parliament petitions 
to be reconciled to Rome — Their petition graciously 
received — All acts against Rome repealed — Laws 
against heretics revived — Discussions about heretics 



XII CONTENTS. 

— Pool proposes a reformation of the clergy— Gat- 
diner advocates persecution— Persecution rages — 
Martyrdom of Rogers, Hooper, and others — Dr. 
Taylor— The nation filled with horror — Gardiner 
leaves the persecution to Bonner — Queen Mary's 
conscience — The Pope's modesty, - - 166 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Persecution still rages — The dead body of a robber cited, 
condemned and burnt — The nobility and gentry di- 
rected to attend the burnings— Gardiner's subtlety — 
Martyrdom of Latimer and Ridley — Death of Gardi- 
ner — Parliament disgusted, but Mary perseveres — 
Reformation of the clergy proposed — Influence of the 
lives of clergymen — Germany — Abdication of Charles 
5th — Cranmer tried and degraded — His recantation — 
His martyrdom — His character, - - 179 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The lame and the blind burnt — Conduct of the Reform- 
ers — Their meetings — Their faithful shepherds — The 
refugees at Frankfort — Origin of differences — The 
bodies of Bucer and Fagius burnt — Inquisition pro- 
jected — Burnings continued — Pool opposes them in 
vain — Martial law proclaimed against heretics — None 
might say, God help the martyrs — Bonner's cruelty — 
Protestants in France — Mary's death — Pool's death, 
♦ 200 

CHAPTER XV, 

Accession of Elizabeth — Reformation resolved upon and 
begun — Parker chosen archbishop of Canterbury — 
Mis great modesty — Coronation — Reformation esta- 
blished by parliament — Papists allowed the exercise 
of their religion — Popish clergy who chose to retire, 
pensioned — Parker's letters — His consecration — Fa- 
ble of the nag's head ordination — Reformation com- 
pletely settled, ----- 210 

Sketch of the Life of Luther - 227 

Sketch of the Life of Calvin - 255 

Sketch of the Life of Zuingle * 283 



HISTORY 



% 



CHAPTER I. 

State of England — Wolsey — First beginnings of refor- 
mation — Henry's book — Tindal's translation — Henry 
wishes a divorce — His applications to Rome — Cran- ^ 
mer — Wolsey ruined — The clergy attacked — Appli- 
cation to the Universities — Successive attacks upon 
Rome — Henry marries Ann Boleyn — Cranmer con- 
secrated — Catharine divorced — Popery condemned. 

At the commencement of the reign of king 
Henry the 8th, England was reposing in the 
arms of papal Rome, implicitly yielding to her 
spiritual despotism. There had been some 
contests by preceding kings against the exac- 
tions of the papacy, but these had always ended 
in submission, and the Vatican reigned lord 
paramount over the souls and bodies of Eng- 



14 HISTORY OF 

lishmen. The shrines of saints were visited 
by adoring multitudes; the doctrine of purga- 
tory was an inexhaustible fountain of supply 
to the coffers of the priesthood; bishops were 
established in their sees by bulls from his ho- 
liness; appeals to Rome held all spiritual de- 
cisions in durance; images, and relics, and 
miracles abounded; the Bible was considered 
the source of heresy; and ignorance slept at 
the foot of superstition, while vice, in every va- 
riety, roamed unchecked through the land. 

True, there were some who possessed copies 
of Wickliffe's Bible, and received its doctrine 
rather than the decrees of cardinals. But they 
were poor. They were not in authority. 
They were persecuted by the dominant power; 
and, from their inability to act with efficiency, 
were hardly known to exist. True, also, 
when any see became vacant, the king seized 
on its temporalities, and did not deliver them 
to the bishop appointed of Rome, until he had 
sworn allegiance; but Henry, as if to destroy 
this remnant of supremacy, surrendered it into 
the hands of his favourite Wolsey, who was the 
pope's legate. 

Henry, however, appears to have been raised 
up by Providence to crush the power of pa- 



THE REFORMATION. 15 

pacy in England, and prepare the way for 
reformation. 

In the fourth year of his reign, a law was 
passed subjecting the clergy to be tried by the 
civil courts. Heretofore, they had been ame- 
nable to none but ecclesiastical authority, and, 
such was the universal corruption, that, what- 
ever crimes they committed, they usually 
escaped unpunished. This law was violent- 
ly opposed by the whole clerical body, and 
nothing but the determined spirit of Henry, 
zealous for prerogative, carried it through. 
The pope was in trouble, and did not dare to 
resent the insult. 

Yet, in all other matters, Henry continued a 
most faithful son of the see of Rome, during 
the first eighteen years of his reign; insomuch 
that pope Julius sent him a golden rose, and 
pope Leo 10th gave him more roses, and made 
his favourite Wolsey a cardinal. 

Wolsey, though a bad man himself, obtain- 
ed a bull from the pope to reform the clergy. 
His real object was, to pave the way for sup- 
pressing several of the monasteries, and con- 
verting them into colleges, cathedrals, &c. 

The convocation of England was usually 
summoned by the king; who, with the writs 



H 



16 HISTORY OF 

for a parliament, sent also a summons to the 
two archbishops of Canterbury and York, to 
call together the clergy of their respective pro- 
vinces. But the cardinal, as legate, took this 
power into his own hands. In 1552, he sum- 
moned the convocation of Canterbury to West- 
minster, to reform abuses in the church. Here 
he demanded a heavy supply for the king, 
viz. one half of the full value of all livings 
for one year, to be paid in five years. This, 
with great difficulty, was obtained; but it 
enraged the clergy against the cardinal. He, 
however, despised them, especially the monks, 
whom he looked upon as idle mouths, of no 
use to church or state. They were indeed 
numerous, and generally given up to idleness 
and pleasure. He resolved on suppressing a 
great number of their institutions, and in this 
found no difficulty; for the king, being a friend 
to learning, had no objections to his endowing 
colleges with the spoils of monasteries. The 
pope, too, consented; and, in the 18th year of 
Henry, the foundation of a college was laid at 
Oxford, and in the 20th, that of another at 
Ipswich. 

The first dawnings of reformation in Eng- 
land, may, doubtless, be traced to the days of 



THE REFORMATION. 17 

Wickliffe, 150 years antecedent to this time; 
for then, the clergy being obnoxious to the 
people, on account of the rapacity of their ex- 
actions, he propagated several opinions hostile 
to their power. He translated the Bible from 
Latin into English, and circulated it, with a 
preface reflecting severely on the existing cor- 
ruptions, condemning the worship of saints 
and images, denying the corporal presence of 
Christ in the sacrament, and exhorting all 
people to the study of the scriptures. He died 
in peace, though his body was afterwards 
burned; but the followers of his doctrine, who 
were generally among the illiterate, were se- 
verely persecuted. In the reign of Richard 
2d, a law was passed subjecting them to trial; 
and, by a statute of Henry 4th, they were 
condemned to be burnt as heretics. Under 
this law many suffered. These martyrs were 
also called Lollards.* In the first year of 
Henry, a considerable number were arraign- 
ed, and some were burned. The principal 
charges against them were, refusing to believe 
in transubstantiation, auricular confession, pil- 
grimages, worship of images, praying to saints, 
and purgatory. 

' * See Appendix, No. 1. 
A 2 



IS HISTORY OF 

The seeds sown by Wickliffe, and now 
flourishing in the Lollards, caused the doc- 
trines of Luther, which were spreading in 
Germany, to gain friends in England, Many 
of the books containing them were translated 
into English, and widely circulated. This 
made the rage of persecution more violent. 
Great numbers were proceeded against. If a 
man uttered but a light word against the 
constitutions of the church, he was seized. If 
any taught their children the Lord's prayer, 
the ten commandments, and the apostles' creed, 
in the vulgar tongue, that was deemed a suf- 
ficient crime to bring them to the stake, For 
this offence, six men and one woman were 
burnt at Coventry, on the 4th of April, 1519. 

Henry employed his pen, as well as his 
power, against the heretics. He wrote a book 
against Luther, on the seven sacraments, 
which was extolled as a model of excel- 
lence. For this work, he received a pompous 
letter, signed by the pope and twenty-seven 
cardinals, and the title of " Defender of the 
faith." But Luther treated his book with great 
contempt. 

William Tindal translated the New Testa- 
ment into English, printed it at Antwerp, with 



THE REFORMATION. 19 

some short comments, and sent it over for dis- 
tribution, in 1526. This was denounced by 
the papists as an erroneous translation, and all 
persons who had copies of it were command- 
ed to deliver them up, on pain of excommuni- 
cation, and incurring the suspicion of heresy. 
Many other books were prohibited at the same 
time; most of them written by Tindal. Against 
some of these Sir Thomas More wrote. He 
was a man of learning, and an enemy to the 
ignorance of the clergy, but a bitter persecutor. 

About this time, king Henry disputed the 
validity of his marriage with Catharine his 
queen. She had been wife to Arthur his bro- 
ther, but though, in consequence of that, he 
had procured a dispensation from the pope on 
marrying her, he now found out that it was 
unlawful for a man to have his brother's widow. 
He laid the question before the bishops of 
England, and they decided in favour of a di- 
vorce; and, though the pope, by a bull, had 
sanctioned the marriage, he hoped to succeed 
in convincing him that the bull was granted 
on wrong representations, and in inducing him 
to revoke it. 

With this view, he sent a messenger to Rome, 
to make his application ; directing him to secure 



2© HISTORY OF 

all the friends he could around his holiness, by 
money and promises. The messenger found 
the pope imprisoned by the emperor. He pre- 
sented the king's request, and received for 
answer, that the divorce should be granted. 
But, as soon as the pope was at liberty, he de- 
clined fulfilling his promise. The emperor, 
who was the nephew of Catharine, and vio- 
lently opposed to the divorce, had him still in 
durance. His holiness, however, strove, by 
all the crooked arts of a most wily policy, to 
satisfy Henry that he was his friend, and that 
he only wished a little necessary delay. Mes- 
senger after messenger was sent by the king; 
bribe after bribe was given to the cardinals; 
subterfuge after subterfuge was resorted to by 
the pope; until, at length, two legates were 
appointed to try the question in England: viz. 
Campegio, who was despatched from Rome, 
and Wolsey. During the whole progress of 
the application, Wolsey was using all the 
earnestness fear could suggest; for he had 
pledged himself to effect the divorce, and he 
well knew, from the temper of Henry, that, if 
he failed, he would be ruined. 

In 1529, the legates sat in England. In- 
structed by his holiness, Campegio delayed the 



THE REFORMATION. 21 

proceedings as much as possible, and when, at 
last, all things were ready for a sentence, he 
adjourned the court from July to October. 
Soon after, a messenger came summoning the 
cause to Rome. Henry could ill brook all 
this, but still he did not entirely break off from 
the pope. However, he denied his authority 
to cite him out of his kingdom. 

To divert his mind, he made an excursion 
through his dominions. During it, he lay one 
night at Waltham. While there, his secretary 
and almoner, Gardiner and Fox, met with 
Dr. Cranmer, a fellow of Jesus College, Cam- 
bridge. Knowing his great learning and solid 
judgment, they pressed him for his opinion 
concerning the divorce. He modestly declin- 
ed; but told them, it would be best to ascer- 
tain whether the marriage was unlawful by 
virtue of any divine precept, for, if so, the 
pope's authority could not make that lawful 
which God had declared unlawful. He 
thought, therefore, that, instead of a fruitless 
application at Rome, it would be better to con- 
sult all the learned men and universities of 
Christendom: for, if they pronounced in the 
king's favour, the pope must needs give judg- 
ment; or, if he refused, the marriage would 



22 HISTORY OF 

be found sinful, notwithstanding his dispensa- 
tion. With this proposition, Henry was de- 
lighted, and immediately sent for Cranmer, and 
received him to court. 

Wolsey was ruined. He was attainted for 
treason, and shortly after died; declaring that, 
if he had served his God as he had served his 
king, he would not have been deserted in his 
grey hairs. 

In the parliament that met in 1529, there 
were bills passed against several abuses of 
the clergy, and many severe reflections were 
made upon their vices and corruptions. These 
were believed to flow from men who had Lu- 
ther's doctrine at heart. The king promoted 
this attack, that he might show the pope what 
he could do if driven to extremity. 

Pursuant to the advice of Cranmer, appli- 
cation was made to the various learned bodies, 
for their opinions concerning the divorce. 
Oxford and Cambridge decided that the mar- 
riage was unlawful, as did also the universities 
of Padua, Bavaria, Orleans and Thoulouse; 
the divines of Ferrara; many of the Jewish 
Rabbins; the doctors of the Sorbonne; and a 
multitude of others, in Italy, and other parts of 
Europe. Zuingle united in the same deci- 



THE REFORMATION. ' 23 

sion. Calvin afterwards pronounced a similar 
sentiment. 

These opinions being received, a letter was 
written to the pope, by the principal of the 
nobility, clergy, and commons of England, 
setting them forth; complaining of his conduct; 
and threatening that they must seek a remedy 
elsewhere, if he persisted in refusing a divorce. 
The pope answered, that, if the patient would 
hurt himself, it was not the physician's fault; 
and made new promises. 

But the king, wearied with delay, published 
a proclamation against receiving bulls from 
Rome. He caused, also, the various arguments 
^gainst his marriage to be drawn out, and pub- 
lished. He, moreover, brought all the clergy 
of England under a premunire. 

There was an ancient law forbidding any 
one to exercise a legatine authority procured 
from Rome. Wolsey had acted as the pope's 
legate, and, of course, all who had transacted 
business in his courts were involved in his 
guilt. Moreover, there were various other 
laws passed in previous reigns against procur- 
ing translations, bulls, &c. from Rome; all 
which had remained in the statute book, but, 
from the power of the papacy, were regarded 



M HISTORY. OF 

as a dead letter. Against all these had the 
clergy transgressed: but they had done so 
with the king's knowledge, and oft by his 
command. However, it was in vain for them 
to frame excuses. Henry had determined to 
make the court of Rome feel the weight of his 
anger, and, therefore, he summoned them all 
to answer for their crime. They gladly com- 
pounded with him, and were pardoned, on 
paying a heavy sum of money; viz. the see 
of Canterbury one hundred thousand pounds, 
and of York, eighteen thousand eight hundred 
and forty pounds. 

In 1531, the convocation gave the king the 
title of " Supreme head of the church in Eng- 
land;" and thus another blow was aimed at tne 
pope. 

In 153B, parliament passed a law against 
paying annates, or first fruits of ecclesiastical 
benefices, to the church of Rome. This law 
was left subject to the king's confirmation, 
which it received the next year. 

The pope, seeing his power declining in j 
England, resolved, at last, to do all he could 
to recover it. He cited the king to appear at 
Rome, to answer to an appeal from queen Ca- 
tharine on the subject of the divorce. Henry 



THE REFORMATION. 25 

sent an ambassador as excusator, with instruc- 
tions to excuse his not appearing, and to insist 
on the prerogatives of the crown of England. 
A plea was drawn up, and debated in the con- 
sistory. 

While this was in progress, a bull was 
obtained for suppressing several monasteries, 
and founding six new bishoprics. 

November 14th, 1532, the king married 
Ann Boleyn. 

In 1533, parliament passed an act against 
all appeals to Rome, declaring that the upper 
house of convocation should give final deci- 
sion in all cases. 

Warham, archbishop of Canterbury, dying, 
the king resolved to raise Cranmer to that 
see. Cranmer was then in Germany. He 
had made no application for the appointment, 
and, when he received intelligence of it, was 
much grieved. He travelled homeward by 
very slow journeys, that the king might have 
time to reflect maturely on the subject, and 
to select some other person. Henry, how- 
ever, would accept none of his excuses; but 
was rather confirmed in the high opinion he 
entertained of him, by his great humility; and, 
at last, Cranmer was forced to yield. 



26 HISTORY OF 

Bulls were received from the pope for Cran- 
nier's promotion ; for, though it was contrary 
to law to ask for them, the king resolved not 
to break off entirely from Rome, until he was 
driven to it. The pope was not pleased with 
Cranmer as archbishop, for he knew him to 
be the familiar friend of the Lutherans, but he 
did not wish to precipitate the rupture with 
England by denouncing him. At his conse- 
cration, Cranmer refused to take the usual oath 
to the pope, without a full and formal protesta- 
tion, that it should not bind him up from doing 
his duty to God, the king, and the church. 

The question concerning the king's mar- 
riage was brought, once more, before the two 
houses of convocation, and the opinions of 
nineteen universities read against it; where- 
upon, a decision was given, declaring it con- 
trary to the law of God; and, immediately 
after, the archbishop of Canterbury proceeded 
to pronounce sentence of divorce. 

Rome declared this sentence null, and 
threatened the king with excommunication 
if he acted upon it. The king appealed from 
the pope, to a general council; as did Cranmer, 
who, also, was threatened with a process. 
Bonner delivered this appeal to the pope, and 



THE REFORMATION. 97 

he did it with so much vehemence and fury, 
that his holiness talked of throwing him into 
a caldron "of melted lead, and he was glad to 
make his escape. 

However, in consequence of the mediation 
of the king of France, Henry determined, once 
more, to submit to the pope, on receiving fresh 
promises that the divorce should be granted; 
but the imperialists precipitated a fresh de- 
cree against him, which separated him from 
Rome forever. 

The pope^s authority had been now, for four 
years, much examined and disputed in Eng- 
land. First, his power of dispensing with the 
law of God was controverted; then, the clergy 
were convicted of a praemunire, for submitting 
to his jurisdiction; then, his right to annates 
and other exactions was questioned; then, all 
appeals to Rome were condemned: — So many 
branches of the tree being cut off, it only 
remained to strike at the root. Accordingly, 
the foundations of papal authority were scru- 
tinized. For nearly a year, there were many 
public debates about it; and the subject was 
long agitated both in parliament and convo- 
cation. Several books were written; parti- 
cularly "The institution for the necessary 



28 HISTORY OF 

erudition of a Christian man;" concluded iii 
convocation, and published by authority. 

At length, after summoning all the proofs 
from scripture and primitive practice, it was 
decided, that the pope's power in England 
had no foundation, either in the law of God, 
the laws of the church, or of the land. 

And thus did the Most High overrule the 
evil passions of a wicked monarch, to a dis- 
covery of the rottenness of the root of that 
bohon upas papacy, and prepare the way for 
delivering the realm of England from its 
deadly influence. 



THE REFORMATION. -29 



CHAPTER. II. 

The King's supremacy asserted — First fruits given to 
the King— Suffragan Bishops— Tindal's translation 
circulated — Persecutions — Henry against reformation 
— Visitation of monasteries — Their corruptions — 
Suppression of monasteries — Translation of the Bible 
authorized — Queen Ann executed — The Pope seeks 
a reconciliation — First articles of religion — Injunc- 
tions — Rebellion — Relics and shrines abolished. 

The whirlwind of Henry's passions threat- 
ened destruction to truth as well as error, and, 
had not Cranmer been appointed of God to 
direct it, the very hopes of reformation them- 
selves might have been swept away. A great 
work remained to be accomplished. The ec- 
clesiastical elements were in wilcP disorder; 
and much prudence, and much perseverance, 
and much prayer, were necessary, to subdue 
them to harmony. Beside, the reformers had 
much to learn. They were young in the school 
of primitive discipline; and they were obliged, 
by close study of the scriptures and of apos- 
b2 



30 HISTORY OF 

tolic practice, to ascertain what were the true 
features of the church of Christ, before they 
could attempt to give them to the countenance 
of England. Accustomed, all their days, to 
the gorgeous array of Roman magnificence, 
it was only by slow degrees they arrived at a 
knowledge of the simple character of the po- 
lity of Jesus. 

The usurpation of the pope having been 
crushed, the king's supremacy was next assert- 
ed; and it was declared, that, to him it pertain- 
ed to defend the faith of Christ; to abolish 
abuses, heresies, and idolatries; and to see 
that the bishops and priests executed the pas- 
toral office. At the same time, the clergy were 
called upon to obey the laws of the king, so 
far as they were not contrary to the laws of 
God. 

In 1534, the annates, or first fruits of bene- 
fices, were given to the king; and an act was 
passed for making suffragan bishops, " which, 
as is said, had been accustomed to be had with- 
in this realm; for the more speedy administra- 
tion of the sacraments, and other good, whole- 
some, and devout things, and laudable ceremo- 
nies; to the increase of God's honour, and for 
the commodity of good and devout people." 



THE REFORMATION. 31 

TindaPs translation of the scriptures was 
still circulated, to the great grief of the clergy; 
who clung to the corruptions of popery, 
though they had renounced the pope. In the 
fever of his zeal, Tonstal, bishop of London, 
purchased a great quantity of Tindal's first 
edition of the New Testament, and publicly 
burnt them at Cheapside. By this act, he 
contributed, most efficiently, to the publication 
of a more correct edition, which was widely 
spread. 

Although an act was passed mitigating the 
proceedings against heretics, many were 
brought into the bishops' courts, and charged, 
some with teaching their children the Lord's 
prayer in English, some with reading the 
forbidden books, some with harbouring the 
preachers of new doctrine, some with speak- 
ing against pilgrimages, or worshipping and 
adorning images, some with not observing the 
church fasts, some with not coming to confes- 
sion and the sacrament, and some with speak- 
ing against the vices of the clergy. Of these, 
many abjured their errors, but many were 
burned. 

A part subscribed articles declaring that 
there was a purgatory, and that souls in it were 




S<2 HISTORY OF 

profited by masses said for them; that kings 
were not obliged to give their people the 
scriptures in the vulgar tongue; with several 
others. 

These persecutions were opposed by the 
new queen, by Cramner, and by Cromwell, 
the king's vicegerent in ecclesiastical matters. 

The principal enemies of reformation, were, 
the duke of Norfolk, and Gardiner, bishop of 
Winchester. With these, joined, the greater 
part of the clergy. 

The king, too, was no friend to the reforma- 
tion; for he had written in defence of the 
Romish faith, and he did not like to retract 
his opinions. Moreover, he was afraid, if he 
favoured the doctrines of Luther, it would be 
said he did it out of spite to the pope; and he 
had reason to expect the emissaries of the 
pope and emperor would excite a rebellion 
among his subjects. Cranmer had, indeed, a 
difficult part to act. 

In 1535, began the visitation of monaste- 
ries; set on foot for the purpose of ascertain- 
ing their corruptions, and preparing the way 
for suppressing them. They were all required 
to swear allegiance to the king's supremacy. 
Their internal polity was examined, and every 



THE REFORMATION. 33 

thing connected with them underwent a close 
inspection. Sundry injunctions were given 
them: as, that they were to teach the people 
the king's supremacy; to have a chapter in the 
Bible read at each of their meals; to live on 
common food; to listen to a lecture of divinity 
for a whole hour every day; and to be well 
employed. The Abbot was, every day, to ex- 
plain to them, that, religion consisted, not in 
rites, but in cleanness of heart, pureness of 
life, unfeigned faith, brotherly charity, and 
honouring of God in spirit and in truth. In 
these we may discover the heart and hand of 
Cranmer; but, such was the licentiousness of 
the monks, they were by no means pleased 
with them. 

Monasteries were, at an early age, very nu- 
merous in England. They were robbed and 
ruined by the Danes in the 8th century, but 
king Edgar re-established them. During suc- 
ceeding reigns, their number was increased, 
and, by every possible means, their coffers 
were enriched. Saying masses to relieve 
souls from purgatory, was a most lucrative 
source of revenue. So general was the belief 
in their virtue, that statutes in mortmain be- 
came necessary, in order to prevent the greater 



34 HISTORY OF 

part of the estates in England being given to 
the brotherhood. The shrines, and images, 
and relics of saints, were, also, profitable: for, 
the multitude were persuaded, that, pilgrimages 
and presents to them, would secure an inter- 
cession in Heaven. But, the corruption of the 
monks became so excessive, that, from the 12th 
century downward, their reputation abated. 
As they lost ground, the orders of begging 
friars rose. These, by great appearance of 
mortification, gained much esteem. They 
were not as idle and lazy as the monks, but 
went about, and preached, and heard confes- 
sions, and carried indulgences, with many 
other pretty little things, — Agnus Dei's, Rosa- 
ries, and Pebbles; which they made the world 
believe had great virtue in them. There was 
a firm union of their whole order; they having 
a general at Rome, and a provincial in each 
of their provinces. The school-learning was 
wholly in their hands, and they were great 
preachers. But they, too, had become extreme- 
ly licentious; and, in secret, they plotted much 
against the king, opposing both his divorce 
and his supremacy. 

Henry determined to suppress the houses of 
these monks and friars, not only on account 



THE REFORMATION. 35 

of their extreme wickedness, and their enmity 
against him, but also, because, being afraid of a 
war with the emperor, he wanted money to 
fortify his ports; and, seeing the great advan- 
tage of trade, he resolved to encourage it by 
building harbours. Moreover, he intended, 
pursuant to the advice of Cranmer, to erect 
many more bishoprics; that, the dioceses being 
reduced to a narrower compass, bishops might 
better discharge their duties, and oversee their 
flocks; according to the scriptures and the 
primitive rules. 

But Cranmer's object was, by the suppres- 
sion of monasteries, not only to destroy the 
fountains of belief in purgatory, worship of 
saints, and pilgrimages, but, also, to obtain the 
foundation of theological seminaries for every 
diocese. 

In the course of the visitation, abominations 
were discovered, so great, that we cannot 
stain our page with their recital. 

In 1536, Cranmer moved in convocation, to 
petition the king for a translation of the Bible, 
to be set up in all the churches. This was 
violently opposed by the papists, who insisted 
upon it, that, all the heresies then existing, 
flowed from the use of the Bible by the people. 



S6 HISTORY OF 

But the petition passed, and the king gave 
orders for the translation to be made. 

Queen Ann falling under her consort's dis- 
pleasure, and he determining to get rid of her, 
Cramner espoused her cause, and wrote a 
letter in her behalf, but in vain; the popish 
party drove on the blind passions of the king, 
and she was put to death, v 

After the execution of Ann, the pope made 
overtures for a reconciliation: but Henry, in- 
stead of listening to them, procured two addi- 
tional acts from parliament, extinguishing still 
more the authority of the bishop of Rome in 
England. One of these declared, " that the 
pope had long darkened God's word, that it 
might serve his pomp, glory, avarice, ambition, 
and tyranny, both upon the souls, bodies, and 
goods of all Christians, excluding Christ out 
of the rule of man's soul, and princes out of 
their dominions; and had exacted in England 
great sums, by dreams, vanities, and other su- 
perstitious ways." It severely threatened his 
missionaries, who were practising up and down 
the kingdom. The other declared null all 
grants made by the pope, requiring them to be 
brought in to the chancery, whence new let- 
ters patent might be taken out. 



THE REFORMATION. 37 

There was much argument in convocation 
concerning the opinions of the Lollards, and 
an attempt made to assault Cranmer, Lati- 
mer, and some others, on account of them: 
but this failed; for the king declared, that, the 
rites and ceremonies of the church should be 
reformed by the rules of scripture; and, more- 
over, that, since the Bible was acknowledged 
to contain the laws of religion, it was absurd 
to have recourse to glosses or decrees of popes. 

At length, Henry devised sundry articles 
himself, and, after much debate in convocation, 
they were agreed to. These directed, that 
all bishops and preachers should instruct the 
people to believe the whole Bible, and the 
three creeds — the apostles', Nicene, and Atha- 
nasian; interpret all things according to them, 
and in the very same words, and condemn all 
heresies contrary to them; that they should 
instruct the people concerning the necessi- 
ty of baptism for infants as well as adults, 
and of penance — which consisted in contri- 
tion, or an inward shame and sorrow for 
sin, because committed against God, and 
in confession, and amendment of life; and 
that they should teach them, that, to penance 
must be joined the faith that God will forgive 



58 HISTORY OF 

and justify, not for the worthiness of human 
merit, but for the only merits of the blood and 
passion of our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

They were also directed to instruct the 
people, that they must bring forth the fruits of 
penance, in prayer, fasting, alms-deeds, resti- 
tution and satisfaction for wrongs done to 
others, with the various works of mercy, and 
charity, and obedience to God's command- 
ments; and that, without these, they could not 
be saved. 

The good works necessary to salvation were 
taught to be, " not only outward, civil works, 
but the inward motions and graces of God's 
holy Spirit; to dread, fear, and love him; to 
have firm confidence in God; to call upon him, 
and to have patience in all adversities, to hate 
sin, and have purposes and wills not to sin 
again." 

By the same articles, it was said, that images 
were useful to stir up devotion, but should not 
be worshipped. Praying to saints was en- 
couraged; also sundry ceremonies, such as 
sprinkling holy water, giving holy bread, 
creeping to the cross on Good Friday, &c. 
&c. &c. Transubstantiation and auricular 
confession were inculcated, together with 



THE REFORMATION. 39 

praying for the souls of the departed; but 
the idea of purgatory, so profitable to popery, 
was condemned. 

Thus was the gold of truth mingled with 
the alloy of error. 

Though much rubbish was left, the refor- 
mation gained much by these articles: for, 
four sacraments were passed over; scripture 
was appealed to as the standard; the founda- 
tion of Christian faith was truly stated; im- 
mediate worship of images and saints was 
removed; and the trade of purgatory abolished. 

Beside these, several injunctions were pub- 
lished, by virtue of the king's supremacy. 

The clergy were directed to inform the 
people, that the bishop of Rome's usurped 
power had no ground in the law of God, and 
was, for good reasons, abolished; and that the 
king's power was, by the law of God, su- 
preme. 

They were not to extol images or relics, 
nor to exhort to pilgrimages, but to instruct 
the people to keep God's commandments; to 
do works of charity; to believe that God was 
better served by them when they stayed at home 
and provided for their families, than when 
they went on pilgrimages — and that the mo- 



40 HISTORY OF 

nies laid out upon these, had better be given 
to the poor. 

They were to exhort the people to teach 
their children the Lord's prayer, the creed, 
and the ten commandments in English; and 
were to explain these, one article a day, until 
all should be instructed : moreover, they 
were to take great care that the children 
should be brought up to some trade, or way 
of living. 

They were to instruct the people in good 
and wholesome doctrine; and not to pursue 
their own profit or interest, so much as the 
glory of God, and the good of souls. 

They were cautioned to avoid taverns, &lc. 
and to give themselves to the study of the 
scriptures; and they were told to excel others 
in purity of life, and to be examples of holi- 
ness. 

Every beneficed person who had twenty 
pounds income, and did not reside, was re- 
quired to give the fortieth part to the poor of 
the parish. 

Every one whose income equalled one hun- 
dred pounds, was required to support one 
scholar at the grammar school or university, 
and one more .for every additional hundred. 



THE REFORMATION. 41 

This was intended as a nursery of clergy- 
men. 

They were to keep their parsonage houses 
in good repair; and, if necessary, to devote 
one fifth of their profits to that purpose. 

These injunctions were undoubtedly drawn 
up by Cranmer. He was illustrious as a 
blessing and an example. His great industry 
was incessant in collecting, from the Bible, 
and from the ancient fathers, information con- 
cerning religion, that he might proceed with 
the best lights in the work of reformation. 

But long established error is not easily 
rooted out. Satan will not give up his strong 
holds without a battle. The people of Eng- 
land, accustomed as a body to the doctrines 
of popery, not yet enlightened in the truth, and 
continually excited by the old clergy, were 
very much disposed to rebel. The pope had 
thundered against Henry, and these thunder- 
ings, though not so terrible as formerly, were 
not without some effect. 

At length the storm, so long threatened, 
burst forth. A rebellion broke out in Lin- 
colnshire, directed by a monk. Twenty thou- 
sand were gathered together, but the duke 
of Suffoik quelled them. Immediately, there 
c2 



42 HISTORY OF 

was a general and formidable rising in the 
north. A great multitude assembled under 
one Ask. They called their march, the pil- 
grimage of grace. Several priests bearing 
crosses went before them. In their banners 
they had the crucifix, with the five wounds, 
and a chalice; and each one wore in his 
sleeve, as a badge, an emblem of the five 
wounds of Christ, with the name of Jesus 
wrought in the midst. This rising in York- 
shire encouraged those in Lancashire, Dur- 
ham, and Westmoreland, to arm; but they 
were soon dispersed; and, at last, though 
not without great trouble and danger, the 
northern tempest was laid. 

The suppression of monasteries was still 
going on, and, the farther the work advanced, 
the more iniquity was discovered. Many 
signed confessions of their guilt, of which one 
says, " for their past ill life the pit of Hell was 
ready to swallow them up — they had neglect- 
ed the worship of God, and lived in idleness, 
gluttony, and sensuality." 

In one monastery were found as many re- 
lics as could be named in four sheets of paper; 
among which, was, an angel, with one wing, 
that brought over the spear's head that pierced 



THE REFORMATION. 43 

our Saviour's side. There were also found 
some of the coals that roasted St. Lawrence, 
the parings of St. Edmund's toes, St. Thomas 
a Becket's pen-knife and boots, with as many 
pieces of the cross of our Saviour as would 
make a large whole cross, a piece of St. An- 
drew's finger set in an ounce of silver, with 
a multitude of others of equal veracity. Many 
of the images were broken; among which was 
one, that, by means of springs, was made to 
move the head, hands, and feet; this had pro- 
ved very profitable. Some of the blood of 
a duck was found in a phial, which was thick 
on one side and thin on the other; the people 
were taught to believe this was the blood of 
Christ, and, on their paying a considerable 
sum, the thin side of the phial was turned 
towards them, and they were permitted to see 
the blood. In Wales there was found a huge 
image of wood, which was visited by ^ve or 
six hundred pilgrims in one day; some carried 
oxen and cattle, and some money, to induce 
the image to deliver their souls from Hell. 
But the shrine of Thomas a Becket was most 
profitable. It was valued abundantly more 
than the shrine of the Virgin Mary, or of 
Christ; for, in one year, there was offered at 



44 HISTORY OF 

Christ's altar 3/. 2s. 6d; at the Virgin's 63/. 
5s. 6d.; but at Thomas's 832/. 12s. 3d— And, 
the next year, was offered at Christ's — 
nothing; at the Virgin's 4/. Is. 8e/.; but at 
Thomas's 954/. 6s. 3d A jubilee of 15 days 
was ordained for Becket, by Rome, every 
fiftieth year, and indulgence was granted to 
all that would visit his shrine. In the sixth 
jubilee, in 1420, one hundred thousand stran- 
gers visited his tomb; and, with them, an im- 
mense wealth. Henry determined to unshrine 
and unsaint him at once, for, he caused his 
shrine to be broken down and carried away, 
his bones to be mingled with others, so that 
it would have been a miracle to have disco- 
vered them, and his name to be struck out of 
the calendar. 

And thus was the superstition of Eng- 
land, in regard to images and relics, extir- 
pated. 



THE REFORMATION. 45 



CHAPTER III. 

The Bible published — Injunctions to the clergy — Cran- 
mer loses ground — Popery gains an advantage — The 
six articles — Henry's attachment to Cranmer— Per- 
secution—Private persons allowed Bibles — New arti- 
cles — Free will — Second edition of the Bible. — State 
of Scotland— Injunctions laid by Bonner — Preaching 
of the friars — Written sermons. 

Could the depravity of man invade the 
Heaven of Heavens, it would darken the 
splendours of that bright abode. Whatever 
it touches it contaminates. The gospel came 
from the hand of its Author pure as the bow- 
ers of Eden, but man, yielding to the voice 
of the tempter, has ever defiled and pervert- 
ed it; making the messenger of mercy, a shed- 
der of blood — the angel of purity, a patron of 
crime. 

The church of Rome has been adorned 
with a Fenelon, a Pascal, and a Massillon; 
she has now in her bosom some who are like 
diamonds amid abounding rubbish; and many, 
we hope, have passed through her to rest; but 



46 HISTORY OF 

we can have no fellowship with her abomina- 
tions. The work of reformation advances, 
and we rejoice to perceive it. Who that has 
wandered amid the darkness of night, but has 
hailed with rapture the full-orbed moon, rising 
from behind the clouds that surrounded it, 
and pouring its reflected radiance upon the 
gloomy path? 

In 1538, an edition of the Bible was finish- 
ed in London, and the king gave his warrant, 
allowing all his subjects to read it, without 
control or hazard. Cranmer rejoiced that he 
saw this " day of reformation, which he con- 
cluded was now risen in England, since the 
light of God's word did shine over it without 
a cloud." The printing of this edition was 
commenced in Paris, but, though the king of 
France gave his permission, the clergy caused 
the press to be stopped, and most of the copies 
to be seized, and publicly burnt: in conse- 
quence of which, the workmen and forms were 
carried over to England. Injunctions were 
given to all incumbent clergymen, to provide 
one of these Bibles, and set it up publicly in 
the church, and to encourage all to read it as 
the true and lively word of God. All were 
exhorted not to contend about it. At the same 



THE REFORMATION. 47 

time, it was ordained, that, in every church, 
there should be a sermon, every quarter of a 
year, at least, to declare to the people the true 
gospel of Christ, and to exhort them to the 
works of charity, mercy, and faith. More- 
over, the clergy were directed to instruct the 
people in the principles of religion, by teach- 
ing the creed, the Lord's prayer, and the ten 
commandments, in English; and to inform 
them that they had better omit the prayers to 
the saints, than neglect the prayers to God. 

But the king was a steadfast believer in tran- 
substantiation, and, set on by Gardiner, he 
persecuted those who denied the truth of it, 
under the name of sacrauientaries. One of 
these, Lambert, was burnt. 

Cranmer's influence at court began to di- 
minish, and that of the papists to gain ground. 
The princes of Germany, who were leaders 
of the reformation, applied to Henry to unite 
with them, accept the Augsburgh confession, 
and become the patron of their league; but 
Gardiner, and the other Romans, strove hard 
to prevent this union, and finally succeeded. 
Melancthon wrote the king a long letter, en- 
couraging him to proceed in the good work of 
reformation. 



48 HISTORY OF 

The holy cause began sensibly to waver. 
In 1539, six popish articles were enacted in 
parliament. Cranmer argued long against 
them, but, such was the weight of his enemies, 
without effect. These declared — 

1st. That in the sacrament of the altar, 
after the consecration, there remained no sub- 
stance of bread and wine, but that, under 
these forms, the natural body and blood of 
Christ were present. 

2d. That communion in both kinds was 
not necessary to salvation to all persons, by 
the law of God; but that both the flesh and 
blood of Christ were together, in each of the 
kinds. 

3d. That priests, after the order of priest- 
hood, might not marry by the law of God. 

4th. That vows of chastity ought to be ob- 
served, by the law of God. 

5th. That the use of private masses ought 
to be continued, which, as it was agreeable to 
God's law, so men received great benefit by 
them. 

6th. That auricular confession was expe- 
dient and necessary, and ought to be retained 
in the church. 

It was ordained that persons denying the 



THE REFORMATION. 49 

first of these articles should be burnt as here- 
tics, and forfeit their estates; and that those 
denying the other articles, should suffer death 
as felons. 

When this bill was about to pass the house 
of lords, the king, who knew how displeasing 
it was to Cranmer, desired him to withdraw; 
but that faithful soldier of Jesus humbly ex- 
cused himself, for he felt bound in conscience 
to remain and oppose it. 

Great was the joy of the papists, and strong 
their hopes of revenge; but there is a God 
who directeth the storm. 

Henry, apprehending that Cranmer would 
be cast down at the passage of this act, treat- 
ed him with great tenderness. He sent for 
him, and told him he had heard how great 
and how learned his opposition was, and de- 
sired him to put all his arguments in writing, 
that he might read them By various other 
means he endeavoured to assure him of his 
esteem and favour. 

In fact, such was the estimation in which 
the king held Cranmer, on account of his su- 
perior integrity of character, as well as mild- 
ness, learning, and eloquence, that he always 
regarded him with attachment While he 



50 HISTORY OF 

would allow no other to oppose the violence 
of his passions, Cranmer did it with impunity. 

But, though the chief of the reformers 
escaped the fury of this act, it fell heavily 
upon others. In a very little time five hun- 
dred persons were involved in breach of sta- 
tute, and put in prison; but the king was 
prevailed upon to pardon them. Latimer 
and Shaxton, two reforming bishops, resigned 
their sees. 

Notwithstanding the increasing influence of 
popery, Cranmer procured leave for private 
persons to buy Bibles, and keep them in their 
houses. Gardiner opposed this, and argued 
against it in the presence of the king; but 
Henry took him up sharply, and told him 
Cranmer was an old and experienced captain, 
and not to be troubled by freshmen and no- 
vices. 

It was a wonderful Providence, that thus 
made Cranmer, the master spirit, capable of 
ruling the turbulent Henry. We can look to 
no other than an Almighty cause; for the re- 
former appears never to have swerved from 
duty, or descended to any thing like a sur- 
render of faithfulness, in order to retain his 
influence. Indeed, he, more than once, in- 



THE REFORMATION. 51 

trepidly threw himself, as a shield, between 
the monarch and the object of his hate; thus 
sustaining his integrity at the hazard of his 
life. An instance of this occurred on the fall 
of Cromwell; Cranmer interposed to save him, 
but he interposed in vain. In Cromwell the 
reformation lost an important friend. 

A. D. 1540, a commission sat about reli- 
gion. Their first business was to draw up a 
declaration of Christian doctrine. In this, 
they clearly and fully set forth justification by 
faith, and its attendant works. They explain- 
ed the apostles' creed, and defined the sacra- 
ments. Cranmer would fain have reduced 
the number to two; but popery prevailed, and 
retained the seven. They also explained the 
commandments: Gardiner wished to leave 
out part of the second, and succeeded in some 
degree. Moreover, they explained the Lord's 
prayer, and the Ave Maria. On the subject 
of free-will, they said, " It must be in man, 
else, all precepts and exhortations were to no 
purpose; but, they said, the grace of God was 
necessary; and they warned all preachers, so 
to moderate themselves in this high point, that 
they neither should so preach the grace of 
God, as to take away free-will; nor so extol 




52 HISTORY OF 

free-will, as that injury might be done to the 
grace of God." 

But, though the doctrines of reformation 
were thus substantially advancing, the papists, 
having the power, determined to persecute the 
heretics, as they called all who favoured Lu- 
ther's opinion. Accordingly, many were burnt 
at the stake. 

In the 3Sd year of Henry, a new impression 
of the Bible was finished; and he, by* procla- 
mation, required all curates and parishioners, 
of every town and parish, to provide them- 
selves a copy of it before AllhallowVtide, 
enacting a penalty of forty shillings for every 
month that should elapse after that, until they 
were supplied. Some of these Bibles were 
chained to pillars in the church at London, 
with an exhortation written, admonishing all 
that came thither to read, " that they should 
lay aside vain-glory, hypocrisy, and all other 
corrupt affections, and bring with them discre- 
tion, good intentions, charity, reverence, and 
a quiet behaviour, for the edification of their 
own souls; but not to draw multitudes after 
them; nor to make expositions of what they 
read; nor to read aloud, nor make noise in 
time of divine service; nor enter into dis- 



THE REFORMATION. 53 

putes concerning it." But the people came, 
generally, to hear the scriptures read; and 
such as could read, and had clear voices, came 
often with great crowds around them. Many 
sent their children to school, that they might 
carry them to St. Paul's, and hear them read 
the scriptures. And many could scarce re- 
frain from disputing, especially when they 
read of the institution of the sacrament, and 
saw the command — Drink ye all of this; — a 
command which militated so directly against 
the popish mode of administration; also, when 
they saw PauFs discourse against having wor- 
ship in an unknown tongue. Bonner com- 
plained, and threatened to remove the Bibles 
out of the church, if the people continued to 
abuse so high a favour. 

While these things were proceeding in 
England, some light began to beam amid the 
cloud of superstition enveloping Scotland. 
Having received her learning and learned 
men from France, she still continued closely 
connected with that kingdom. True religion 
had, from age to age, been persecuted. In 
1407, John Resby, a Wickliffite, was burnt; 
and, in 1432, John Crew, a Hussite. Toward 
the close of the 15th century, many Lollards 
»2 



54 HISTORY OF 

were found in the western parts, bordering on 
England; among whom were several persons 
of quality: of these; some were questioned, 
but discharged. Patrick Hamilton, a man of 
noble blood, having adopted and preached 
Luther's doctrine, was burned, with many 
others. 

But, notwithstanding these violent proceed- 
ings, the doctrines of reformation spread. 
Many, by reading the scriptures, arrived at a 
knowledge of the truth; and the noise of what 
was doing in England, led others to inquire 
concerning religion. 

The Scotch king yielded himself a prey to 
luxury and extravagance. The popish priests, 
generally, were ignorant and dissolute. The 
bishop of Dunkeld, reproving one of his cler- 
gy for being a zealous preacher, told him, "he 
thanked God he had lived well these many 
years, and never knew either the Old or New 
Testament; and if the other would trouble 
himself with these fantasies, he would repent 
it when he could not help it." No pains were 
taken to instruct the people, and no children 
were catechised. 

Henry repeatedly endeavoured to bring the 
king of Scotland into a league with him 



THE REFORMATION. 55 

against the pope, but in vain. Persecution 
still raged; but " the blood of the martyrs was 
the seed of the church." 

In (542, the popish party in England made 
another attempt to prevent the circulation of 
the scriptures. # They pretended that the ex- 
isting translation was erroneous, and asked 
leave to prepare a new one. They also pro- 
posed publishing a partial translation, leaving 
many words in Latin, lest the people should 
wrest them to heresy; but Cranmer perceived 
their object was to do that covertly, which, on 
account of the king's determination to have 
the Bible in the hands of his subjects, they 
did not dare attempt openly; and he succeed- 
ed in disappointing them. 

Several injunctions were laid on his clergy, 
by Bonner, bishop of London, in the* 34th 
year of Henry. These were, no doubt, drawn 
by Cranmer, and imposed by the king. Among 
them were the following: 

That every clergyman should read and 
study a chapter of the Bible every day, with 
the exposition of the gloss, or some approved 
doctor; which, having once studied, he should 
retain in his memory, ready to give an account 
of it to the bishop, or any whom he should ap- 
point. 



56 HISTORY OF 

That the clergy should instruct the chil- 
dren of their several parishes, and teach them 
to read English, that they might know how to 
believe, and pray, and live according to the 
will of God. 

That they should reconcile all who were in 
enmity; and, in that respect, be a good exam- 
ple to others. 

That twice every quarter, they should de- 
clare the seven deadly sins, and the ten com- 
mandments. 

That no plays, or interludes, should be act- 
ed in the churches. 

That no priest should go but in his habit. 

That no priest should use unlawful games, 
or go to alehouses or taverns, but upon an ur- 
gent necessity. 

That they should often exhort their pa- 
rishioners to make no private contracts of 
marriage. 

No bowling or drinking to be allowed by 
keepers of taverns, under pain of excommu- 
nication. 

That they should exhort the people to ab- 
stain from scolding, backbiting, slandering, ly- 
ing and cursing, with other sins. 

That no priest should preach the sermon of 



THE REFORMATION. 57 

another man, which had been written within 
the last two or three hundred years; but that, 
when they preached, they should explain the 
gospel and epistle of the day, according to the 
mind of some approved doctor of the church. 
That there should be no railing in sermons; 
but the preacher should calmly and discreet- 
ly set forth the excellencies of virtue, and the 
vileness of sin ; and should explain the prayers 
and ceremonies. That there should be no 
fables or stories recited, for the truth of which 
some good writer could not be produced; and 
that, when the sermon was ended, the preacher 
should, in a few words, recite again the pith 
and effect of it, and add thereunto, as he 
should think good. 

In the days of popery, there were very few 
sermons except in Lent; for the discourses on 
holy days were generally panegyrics of saints 
or relics. In Lent, the mode of preaching was 
more solemn and serious; and the friars, who 
maintained their credit chiefly by their per- 
formances at that time, used all the force of 
their skill and industry, to raise the people into 
heats, by passionate and affecting discourses. 
Their themes, generally, were abstinence, 
confession, corporal severities, indigencies, 



58 HISTORY OF 

pilgrimages, enriching of shrines, &c. Very 
little was said about vice, or holiness, or the 
wonderful love of Christ, by which men 
should be drawn to obey him. The chief 
design, was rather to create an excitement, 
which they knew how to manage, than to 
work a reformation in their hearers. So 
many fables were mingled with divine truth, 
that the whole became extravagant. 

These things being so, the reformers stu- 
died with all possible care to instruct the peo- 
ple in the fundamental principles of Chris- 
tianity. Some of the new preachers were 
violent in their zeal, and indiscreet in their 
reflections on the opposite party; but, now 
that the reformation had made greater pro- 
gress, much pains were taken to send eminent 
men over the nation; not confining them to 
particular charges, but sending them, with the 
king's license, up and down to many places. 
Provision was made, too, for the people's 
daily instruction; and, as a sufficient number 
of good preachers could not be obtained, a vo- 
lume was printed, consisting of homilies, or 
plain practical paraphrases on the epistles and 
gospels of the Sundays and holidays; to which 
were added, sermons for christenings, wed- 



THE REFORMATION. 59 

dings, and funerals; and directions were given, 
that these should be read in the congregations 
by such as were not licensed to preach. 

Those who were licensed, being often ac- 
cused, on account of their sermons, and com- 
plaints being made to the king, by violent men 
on both sides, the custom of writing and read- 
ing sermons was introduced. From hence the 
reading of sermons grew into a practice in 
the church of England; "in which, if there 
was not that heat and fire, which the friars 
had shewed in their declamations, so that tlie 
passions of the hearers were not so much 
wrought on by it; yet it has produced the 
greatest treasure of weighty, grave, and solid 
sermons, that ever the church of God had; 
which does, in a great measure, compensate 
that seeming flatness to vulgar ears, that is in 
the delivering of them." 

Plays, and interludes, had been sometimes 
acted in the churches, in order to ridicule the 
monks and popish clergy; but this was con- 
demned by the pious reformers, though it was 
encouraged by politic men. 



USTORY OF 



CHAPTER IV. 

Cranmer's industry and sound judgment — His success 
— Persons who might read the Bible — Persecution- 
Attempt on Cranmer — His forgiving temper — Ex- 
tracts from the canon law of Rome — Translation of 
part of the service — Reforming bishops appointed — 
Persecution — Design upon Cranmer — Frustrated by 
Henry — Henry's death. 

It is useful to contemplate these struggles 
for liberty of conscience — this settling down 
in a permanence of religious order. Who 
that beholds the sufferings of the reformers, 
but must feel thankful, that he is permitted to 
sit beneath the spiritual vine, with none to 
molest or make him afraid; that he is allowed 
to worship as the Bible teaches him, with 
none to interpose between his conscience and 
his God. 

. Cranmer was never idle; and all his exer- 
tions were devoted to forwarding the holy 
cause. He did not despair, because he could 
not effect every thing; neither was he so rash, 
as to expect all at once. His enemies were 



THE REFORMATION. 61 

powerful; but he knew there was One migh- 
tier than they between the cherubim — and in 
that One he trusted. 

In 1 543, he procured the passage of an act, 
lessening, in some degree, the severity of the 
act of the Six articles; delivering the laity from 
the hazard of burning, and subjecting the 
clergy thereto, only on the third conviction. 
This was gained with great difficulty, and not 
without a proviso, placing all at the mercy of 
the king. 

By this act, TindaPs notes to his transla- 
tion were condemned, as well as some other 
books. Every nobleman, gentleman, mer- 
chant that was a householder, noblewoman, 
or gentlewoman, was allowed to read the 
Bible, or hear it read: but no women, or arti- 
ficers, apprentices, journeymen, servingmen 
under the degree, of yeomen, husbandmen, or 
yeomen, were permitted to read it. All were 
allowed to read the "Necessary Erudition of 
a Christian Man/' with the psalter, primer, 
pater-noster, the ave, and the creed, in Eng- 
lish. None might read or expound the scrip- 
tures in any assembly, without license from 
the king. 

During this year, the flame of persecution 



62 HISTORY OF 

broke out afresh, and several reformers were 
burnt at Windsor. The train of destruction 
was laid around Cranmer; but the king re- 
vealed it to him, and delivered him from it. 
The king was disposed to punish the plotters, 
but Cranmer would not urge him: in fact, he 
was so much in the habit of returning good 
for evil, that it was generally said, " the way 
to get his favour is to do him an injury." In 
this instance, he forgave all his enemies, and 
treated them with kindness. Not long after, 
he made application to Henry to procure a 
favour for one of them: the unceremonious 
monarch told him, that man was a knave, and 
his mortal enemy; and bade him, when he 
saw the man next, call him a knave to his 
face. Cranmer answered, that such language 
did not become a bishop; but Henry sullenly 
commanded him to do it. However, his piety 
was such, that he could not obey so harsh a 
command. When these things came to be 
known, all acknowledged that his behaviour 
was suitable to the example and doctrine of 
the meek and lowly Saviour, and well became 
so great a bishop, and such a reformer of the 
Christian religion. 

Cranmer often pressed, with great vehe- 



THE REFORMATION. 63 

inence, the drawing up a body of ecclesiasti- 
cal laws for England; the canon law of Rome 
then in force, being, in many respects, not 
only improper, but blasphemous; as will be 
seen by the following extracts — viz.: 

" He that acknowledged not himself to be 
under the bishop of Rome, and that the bishop 
of Rome is ordained by God to have primacy 
over all the world, is an heretic, and cannot 
be saved, nor is not of the flock of Christ. 

" All the decrees of the bishop of Rome 
ought to be kept perpetually of every man, as 
God's word, spoken by the mouth of St. Pe- 
ter; and whosoever doth not receive them, 
they blaspheme the Holy Ghost, and shall 
have no forgiveness. 

" The see of Rome hath neither spot nor 
wrinkle in it, nor cannot err. 

" Nothing may be done against him that ap- 
pealeth unto Rome. 

" The bishop of Rome may be judged of 
none, but of God only; for although he neither 
regard his own salvation, nor no man's else, 
but draw down with himself innumerable peo- 
ple by heaps unto Hell, yet may no mortal 
man in this world presume to reprehend him^ 
forasmuch as he is called God, he may not be 



64 HISTORY OF 

judged of man, for God may be judged of no 
man. 

"The bishop of Rome may open and shut 
Heaven unto men. 

" The see of Rome receiveth holy men, or 
else maketh them holy. 

" It appertained to the bishop of Rome to 
judge which oaths ought to be kept, and which 
not. 

"Whosoever teacheth or thinketh of the sa^- 
craments, otherwise than the see of Rome 
doth teach and observe, be excommunicate. 

" He is no manslayer, that slayeth a man 
which is excommunicate. 

" A penitent person can have no remission 
of his sin, but by supplication of the priests." 

Surely, this is " exalting himself above all 
that is called God, and, as God, sitting in the 
temple of God." 

In 1 544, Henry ordered that the prayers 
for the processions, and the litanies, should be 
translated into English. This was peculiarly 
pleasing to the reformers, as they hoped that 
all the other offices would follow, and the 
whole service be enjoyed in the vulgar tongue. 

In 1545, Cranmer was strengthened by the 
appointment of several reforming bishops. 



THE REFORMATION. 65 

In 1546, an arrangement was made, be- 
tween the king and the French admiral An- 
nebault, for carrying on the reformation in 
both England and France. It was agreed, 
that the mass should be changed for a com- 
munion, and Cranmer was ordered to draw 
up a form of it: but this fell to the ground. 

Henry flew again into one of his angry fits 
against the reformers, and a new persecution 
commenced. During this, Shaxton recanted, 
and Anne Askew, with several others, was 
burnt. 

But Cranmer was as the apple of the king's 
eye. A new design was set on foot against 
him, and the king pretended to accede to it, 
in order to ascertain how far the accusers 
would go: therefore, he gave permission for 
them to summon him before the council; but, 
during the night previous, sent for him, and 
made known the plot. Cranmer, with great 
candour and honest simplicity, offered himself 
for trial, and requested that judges might be 
appointed. The king told him, he was " a 
fool, that looked to his own safety so little: 
did he think false witnesses would not be pro- 
cured? — therefore, since he did not take care 
of himself, he would see to it." He gave him 
e2 



66 HISTORY OF 

his seal-ring, and directed him to show that 
to his enemies, if they proceeded improperly 
in council. In the morning, Cranmer was 
summoned. He was kept waiting at the door 
of the council chamber, until a message from 
the king made them call him in; but when, at 
length, he showed them the ring, they were 
thrown into great confusion, and ran instant- 
ly to the king, to beg his pardon. The king 
chid them sharply, and protested by the faith 
he owed to God, laying his hand on his Bible, 
that if a prince could be obliged by his sub- 
ject, he was by the archbishop; and that he 
took him to be the most faithful subject he 
had, and the person to whom he was most be- 
holden: saying, moreover, he would not suf- 
fer men, who were so dear to him, to be 
handled in that fashion, and commanding 
them all to be reconciled to Cranmer. 

Thus, while the lesser props of the refor- 
mation was assaulted without mercy, its main 
pillar was continually preserved. Truly, " it 
is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our 
eyes/ 5 

At length, the long and eventful reign of 
Henry drew near its close. His arguments 
and his quarrels, with papists and with pro- 



THE REFORMATION. 67 

testants, approached their final termination. 
He had been so much like a cloud, suspended 
between two islands, and discharging its fury, 
alternately, at each, that his life was not very 
desirable to any. In 1547, he died. He was, 
undoubtedly, a man of strong mind, richly en- 
dowed, but his passions were indiscriminate 
as tigers; they devoured whatever came in 
their way. He might have been as a ferti- 
lizing river to the whole land, but he was 
rather a capricious torrent, tearing away bud- 
ding fields and blooming gardens, as well as 
thorny rubbish and useless rocks. Instead of 
a positive, he was a negative blessing; and it 
was only by the Most High overruling his ini- 
quities, that he became the first royal pro- 
moter of reformation in England. 



68 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER V. 

King Edward — Germany — Reformation urged on — 
Want of Clergymen — Homilies prepared — Ignorance 
of the people — Articles and injunctions — Mary op- 
poses the reformation — Laws against heretics repeal- 
ed — Mode of choosing bishops — Commission appoint- 
ed to revise the liturgy — Germany — Popish rites 
abolished — Images destroyed. 

From Henry's tomb there sprung forth a 
vine, which, though tender in age, was beau- 
tiful in promise, and rich as the clusters of 
Eshcol. The hills were covered with the 
shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were 
like the goodly cedars. It passed away, but 
its memorial lived, fresh to the view of each 
succeeding generation, and fragrant even now 
as the odours of sweet incense. Edward, the 
Josiah of England, succeeded his father. He 
was only nine years old when he began to 
reign, and, by the will of his father, was 
placed under the care of sixteen counsellors, 
who were to govern the kingdom until the 
completion of his 18th year. Of these coun- 



THE REFORMATION. 69 

sellors, Cranmer was, blessed be God, chief 
in influence. One of them, who was Ed- 
ward's uncle, the earl of Hereford, was made 
lord protector, and created duke of Somerset. 

Henry, unsettled in mind, and anxious, per- 
haps, to cling to every thing that might whis- 
per hope, had, in his last days, given direc- 
tions that masses should be said for his soul. 
This the reformers opposed, for two reasons; 
1st, Because it would be a bad example to the 
people; and, 2d, Because he himself had pur- 
posed to change the mass into a communion. 

As soon as the people discovered that 
Cranmer had so great influence with the new 
king, and that the executors generally favour- 
ed the reformation, they gave a loose to their 
zeal, and began to pull down the images in 
the churches. In this they were met by the 
opposition of the papists, especially of Gar- 
diner. 

The Protestants of Germany made applica- 
tion to the council for help. Charles 5th was 
aiming at universal empire, and, as a cloak, 
pretended his only object was the suppression 
of heresy. But, the French and the Turks 
being opposed to him, he proceeded cautiously, 
endeavouring to keep good terms, as well with 



70 HISTORY OF 

the reformers as with the see of Rome. To 
gain the Protestant princes, he agreed to the 
edict of Spire, providing that no one should 
be molested on account of his religion, until a 
free council had decided the points in dispute; 
and, to gain the pope, he agreed that there 
should he a council at Trent, and that he 
would compel all the princes to submit to its 
decrees. The council of Trent sat, the per- 
fect creature of the pope; for a few bishops 
and abbots, with his legates at their head, 
usurped the title of a Catholic council. 

Perceiving themselves betrayed, the princes 
began to prepare for their defence, and, as one 
means, made an application to England. The 
Council voted them fifty thousand crowns. 

The leaders of the papists in England, were 
Gardiner, Bonner, and Tonstal. They con- 
tended, that all farther reformation should be 
delayed, until the king became of age; but 
Cranmer, and the protector, were resolved to 
press on the work at once. However, they 
were willing to proceed slowly, and not hazard 
too much. 

Such was the weakness and irreligion of 
many of the popish bishops, that they cared 
but little what was uppermost, so they retain- 



THE REFORMATION. 71 

ed their livings. True, they preferred popery, 
because that encouraged their main support, 
ignorance; but they determined tp swim with 
the current, and, accordingly, declared for 
reformation, as did the Roman clergy gene- 
rally. 

The reformers were much discouraged, by 
the want of a sufficient number of pious, 
learned clergymen. To remedy this evil, they 
drew up several homilies, or sermons, on the 
most essential doctrines and duties of reli- 
gion, in order that they might be read in the 
churches throughout England. They, also, 
endeavoured to supply the people with such 
other books, as might help to an understand- 
ing of the scriptures; besides, they selected 
the most eminent preachers, and sent them to 
take the tour of the country. These preach- 
ers accompanied the visitors, who, after the 
example of those sent by Henry, traversed the 
dioceses, with injunctions to be obeyed, and 
articles to be observed. 

All these measures were necessary; for the 
majority of the people regarded the priests as 
having power to save their souls by some se- 
cret trick or charm — such as that to which 
mountebanks pretend, in attempting to cure 



7% HISTORY OF 

diseases, and they appeared to think that no 
more was requisite, than to leave themselves 
in the hands of the clergy. Some were Anti- 
nomians. Therefore, the homilies aimed at 
both these errors, ascribing salvation wholly 
to Christ, and inculcating the absolute neces- 
sity of a holy life. 

As a help to expounding the New Testa- 
ment, Erasmus's paraphrase was translated, 
and an order was given that every parish 
church should possess a copy of it, along with 
the Bible. 

Among the articles and injunctions sent 
out, were the following, viz.: That the cu- 
rates should take down such of the images in 
the churches as they knew encouraged abuses, 
by being the object of pilgrimages or offer- 
ings. That, in the confessions during Lent, 
they should examine the people, and ascer- 
tain whether they could recite the elements 
of religion in the English language. That, at 
high mass, they should read the epistle and 
gospel in English; and, every Sunday and 
holy day, should read, at matins, one chapter 
out of the New Testament, and at even-song, 
another out of the Old, in English. That the 
curates should often visit the sick, and com- 



THE REFORMATION. 73 

fort them with passages of scripture in Eng- 
lish. That there should be no more proces- 
sions about churches. That the litany, for- 
merly said in the processions, should be said 
in the quire in English. That holy days 
should be spent in offices of devotion, and not 
in riot and idleness. That none should com- 
mune, who were at enmity with their neigh- 
bours. That the people should be taught not 
to despise any ceremonies yet remaining; but 
to beware of the superstition of sprinkling 
their beds with holy water, or the ringing of 
bells, or using blessed candles, to drive away 
devils. That all monuments of idolatry should 
be removed out of the walls and windows of 
churches. That there should be a pulpit in 
every church for preaching. That there 
should be a chest, with a hole in it, for re- 
ceiving the alms of the people; and that they 
should be exhorted to give to the poor the 
money they formerly spent upon pilgrimages, 
decking of images, &c. That the homilies 
should be read. That prayer should be offer- 
ed for the governors. That souls departed 
should be prayed for thus, viz. : That, at the 
last day, we, with them, may rest both body 
and soul, &c. &c. These to be observed, on 
p 



T4 HISTORY OF 

pain of excommunication, sequestration, or de- 
privation. The bishops were to see them put 
in execution, and were themselves to preach 
four times in a year. Moreover, it was or- 
dained that their chaplains should be able to 
preach God's word, and be made to labour 
often in it; and that orders should be given to 
none but such as would faithfully labour; and 
that, if any neglected so to do, they should be 
punished, and their licenses recalled. 

Bonner objected to the injunctions; though 
he afterwards consented. He was sent, for 
some time, to the Fleet prison. Gardiner, 
also, objected, declaring both the injunctions 
and the homilies contrary to the word of God. 
However, his temper, on this occasion, was 
more like that of a Christian, and a bishop, 
than at any other time. He professed a rea- 
diness to give up the world, &c. The coun- 
cil sent him also to the Fleet. 

Some thought justification was explained 
with too much nicety in the homilies, and that 
the people, to whom they were to be read, 
would not be profited; but Cranmer contend- 
ed, that the explanation was necessary, in con- 
sequence of the erroneous impression, very ge- 



THE REFORMATION. 75 

nerally existing, that men could buy Heaven 
with their charities. 

The reformation had a powerful enemy in 
Mary, the sister of Edward. She was a kind 
of rallying point to the papists, and she insist- 
ed that the council ought to leave all things as 
they were, until the king became of age. They 
answered, by informing her, that Henry him- 
self intended carrying on the reformation, and 
regretted very much that he must die before 
it was finished; declaring, at the same time, 
that she ought not " to esteem true religion, 
and the knowledge of the scriptures, new- 
fangledness or fantasie." Moreover, she was 
desired to turn the leaf, and look on the other 
side, and, with the assistance of an humble 
spirit, and the grace of God, to consider the 
matter better. 

The parliament, which sat in November, 
1547, repealed all the severe laws on the sub- 
ject of religion, especially those concerning 
Loll arc! ies, and the act of the six articles. 

Cranmer exhorted the clergy, in convoca- 
tion, to give themselves much to the study of 
the scriptures, and to consider seriously what 
things were in the church that needed refor- 



76 HISTORY OF 

mation, in order that all the popish trash, yet 
remaining, might be cast out. 

It was ordained, that the sacraments should 
be administered in both kingdoms, according 
to the primitive custom, and that, the priest 
should not commune alone, as had become the 
practice. Moreover, that, the day before every 
sacrament, the priest should exhort the com- 
municants to prepare themselves for it. Giv- 
ing the people the bread only, had grown out 
of the doctrine of transubstantiation, accord- 
ing to which, Christ was in every crumb of 
bread, and, of course, those who ate the bread, 
had the blood with the flesh, and needed not 
the wine. 

All private masses were put down. These 
had become very profitable to the priests, be- 
ing offered for rain, for health, and all other 
blessings, as well as for the dead. 

The mode of choosing bishops was changed 
from Conge d'Elire, to appointments by king's 
letters patent :— after which they were to be 
consecrated. 

In primitive days, bishops were chosen, and 
ordained, by other bishops, as Timothy and 
Titus by Paul. Afterwards, when the church 
was established under the emperors, the people 



THE REFORMATION. 77 

voted by multitudes in the election of bishops. 
This being found a great inconvenience, from 
the tumults that occasionally took place, the 
inferior clergy chose their bishops ; but, gene- 
rally, the bishops of the province made the 
choice, yet in such manner, as to obtain the 
consent of the clergy and people, and subject 
to the will of the emperor. This dependence 
on the temporal prince, the pope destroyed, 
ordaining that the canons, secular and regu- 
lar, should choose their bishops, and that this 
choice should be confirmed at Rome. King 
Henry had continued the mode of election by 
the clergy, only putting himself in the place 
of the pope, to confirm or annul ; but now it 
was thought more ingenuous for the king to 
nominate the bishops directly, than under the 
thin covert of an involuntary election. 

Ecclesiastical courts, too, were appointed to 
be held in the king's name. These had charge 
of wills and marriages. But the collation of 
benefices, and giving of orders, which were, in 
fact, the chief part of the episcopal function, 
were still to be performed by the bishops in 
their own names. 

It was resolved, that a numerous body of 
bishops, and other divines, should sit at 
t2 






78 HISTORY OF 

Windsor, to revise the church service. It 
was also decided that the clergy might marry. 
In Germany, the emperor gained great ad- 
vantages. The duke of Saxe retired to his 
Bible, and the bishop of Colen to a peaceful 
home: both left him the field. In a diet at 
Augsburg, a decree was passed, submitting 
religion wholly to his care. But he strove in 
vain to induce the council of Trent, then sit- 
ting, to reform abuses. One object he wish- 
ed to attain was, raising the authority of the 
bishops to its primitive height, from which it 
had been depressed in order the more readily 
to exalt the pope; but he laboured against the 
wind. The council determined to get rid of 
his importunities, and removed its sitting to 
Bologna, a town in the pope's dominions. 

One of the German reformers, Peter Mar- 
tyr, formerly an Augustinian monk, sought re- 
fuge in England. 

On the 4th of January, 1 548, Gardiner was 
brought before the council; he promised to 
conform himself, except so far as respected 
the homily on justification. Of this he de- 
sired four or five days to consider. What his 
final answer was, does not appear; but he was 
allowed to go to his diocese, where he mani- 



THE REFORMATION. T9 

fested, in all his behaviour, great malignity to- 
ward Cranmer, and the reformation. Yet he 
made such outward compliance, that no charge 
could be found against him. 

There was much contradiction in the ser- 
mons throughout England; for, whereas some 
were for retaining the old rites, others were 
for abolishing them altogether, so that, by this 
diversity of teaching, the hearers were dis- 
tracted. The country people generally loved 
the shows, processions, and assemblies, as 
things of diversion, and thought it a dull bu- 
siness, to go to church for nothing but divine 
worship and the hearing of sermons: others 
regarded those fooleries as contrary to the 
gravity and simplicity of the Christian reli- 
gion, and too much like heathen plays and 
idolatrous festivities. 

At length, Cranmer procured an order, 
abolishing the carrying of candles on Candle- 
mas day, of ashes on Ash Wednesday, and of 
palms on Palm Sunday — creeping to the cross 
on Good Friday, and taking holy bread and 
water. At the same time, all were forbidden 
to make innovations in the established cere- 
monies, without authority; and, to prevent 



80 HISTORY OF 

the evil occasioned by rash men, it was ap- 
pointed that none should preach without li- 
cense. 

By this restraint upon preaching, there was 
no intention " to extinguish the lively preach- 
ing of the pure word of God, made after such 
sort as the Holy Ghost should, for the time, 
put in the preacher's mind." The most dis- 
creet men were selected, and they were 
charged to preach sincerely, and with such 
caution and moderation, as the time and place 
should require; not to excite the people to 
make innovations, or to run before those 
whom they should obey; but to persuade them 
to amend their lives, and keep the command- 
ments of God, and forsake their old supersti- 
tions. Moreover, in delivering things to the 
people, they were to have a special regard to 
what could be borne. 

Considerable heat having been excited by 
the question, as to which the images were that 
had been abused, on the 1 lth February, 1548, 
an order was passed, removing all images. It 
was also ordered, that all rich shrines, with 
the plate belonging to them, should be brought 
to the king's treasury; and that the clothes 



THE REFORMATION. 81 

which covered them should be converted to 
the use of the poor. This caused great af- 
fliction to Gardiner, and his party; but they 
all submitted, so that the churches were emp- 
tied of those pictures and statues, which had 
been for ages the chief object of the people's 
worship. 



82 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER VI. 

Progress of the liturgy — Romish indulgencies — Cran- 
mer's catechism — Primitive liturgies — Romish abuse 
of a liturgy — Romish rites abolished — Practices in the 
Primitive church — Germany— Calvin's letter to the 
Protector — The liturgy established — Gloria in excel- 
sis — Fasting* 

It is pleasing to pause amidst these con- 
templations, and let the mind wander forward 
to that rest, where all who name the name of 
Christ shall depart from iniquity; where all 
earthly motives shall be destroyed, all error 
shall be cast out, and every individual, soul 
and body, shall be thoroughly reformed. 

Every man has an empire in his own breast, 
and at the head of that empire is a pope, with 
all his train of foolish observances, and tempt- 
ing indulgencies — with all his power of put- 
ting darkness for light and light for darkness 
— with all his pride — with even his arrogating 
the place of God. That pope is self. He 
must be dethroned, and the humility, and the 
constancy, and the prayer, of a Cranmer, en- 



THE REFORMATION. 83 

gaged in carrying on the work of purification, 
and the elements of primitive excellence must 
be sought for, and, according to them, the soul 
must be new modelled, and every faculty, and 
every power, must be raised from the grave 
of sin, and made to rejoice in the life of right- 
eousness. 

The selected bishops and divines engaged 
in examining and reforming the offices of the 
church. The sacrament of the eucharist was 
brought back from a mass to a communion; 
the multiplied bowings, crossings, and other 
superstitious ceremonies, being abolished. A 
general confession was substituted for auri- 
cular. This was imperiously demanded: for 
the priests fostered the belief in the multi- 
tude, that they had power to forgive sins — 
declaring, in their form of absolution, " I ab- 
solve thee," instead of praying, or assuring 
that God would absolve on repentance and 
faith. 

Such was the corruption of the papacy, that 
a regular price current of indulgencies exist- 
ed; so that a person, on paying a known sum, 
was privileged to commit whatever iniquities 
he chose. 

But, though these abominations were so 



84 HISTORY OF 

glaring, the friends of the Vatican laboured 
strenuously against their abolition. Gardiner 
proceeded even to sedition. He armed his 
servants, insulted those whom the council 
sent into his diocese, &c. He was sent to the 
Tower. 

Cranmer compiled a catechism. In this he 
asserted the two sacraments, and supposed a 
third : he owned the divine institution of 
bishops and priests; expressed a desire for 
the restoration of the ancient canons of public 
penance, &c. &c. In his epistle, dedicating 
it to the king, he complained of the great ne- 
glect of catechising; also, that the rite of con- 
firmation had been improperly administered. 
Concerning the latter, he declared, that it 
should be given to none but those who were 
of age, " understood the principles of Chris- 
tian doctrine, and did, upon knowledge, and 
with sincere minds, renew their baptismal 
vow." 

These preliminaries prepared the way for 
the reformation of the whole service. 

" In the primitive church, after the extra- 
ordinary gifts ceased, the bishops of the se- 
veral churches put their offices and prayers 
into such method, as was nearest to what they 



THE REFORMATION. 85 

had heard as remembered from the apostles. 
And these liturgies were called by the apostles' 
names from whose forms they were composed; 
as that of Jerusalem carried the name of St. 
James," &c. " The council of Laodicea ap- 
pointed the same office to be used in the 
mornings and evenings. The bishops con- 
tinued to draw up new additions, and to put 
old forms into other methods. This was left 
to every bishop's care, until, in the days of 
St. Austin, it was found the heretics t took 
advantage from some of the prayers used in 
some of the churches; upon this, he tells us, 
it was ordered that there should be no prayers 
used in the church, but upon common advice 
— after that, the liturgies came to be more 
carefully considered." At first, all was plain 
and simple; but, at length, the church of Rome 
began to make one addition after another, 
employing its fancy to find out mystical sig- 
nifications of every rite, and adding ceremo- 
nies thereupon, until the offices were swelled 
out of measure, and there were missals, and 
breviaries, and rituals, and pontificals, and 
partoises, and pies, and graduals, and anti- 
phonals, and psalteries, and houres, and a 
great many more. All these it was determined 

G 



86 HISTORY OF 

to examine, and, whatever was rubbish, to 
cast out. 

The reformers thought that praying with 
warm affection, and sincere devotion, was 
spiritual worship; therefore, they never agi- 
tated the question, whether they should have 
a liturgy or not; their only inquiry was, how 
shall we best bring our liturgy back to the 
primitive standard. They resolved to change 
nothing for novelty^s sake merely, or because 
it had been used by popery, but to retain all 
that the primitive church had practised; like 
skilful vine-dressers, applying the knife only 
to the useless branches, engrafted by later 
ages. 

Retaining forms of prayer, and translating 
the liturgy into the vulgar tongue, they threw 
away the blessing of water, and salt, and 
bread, reputed charms against diseases and 
the devil; together with holy incense, holy 
ashes, and the whole multitude of heathen 
symbols, with which the church of Rome was 
defiled. 

Some of the garments worn by the priests 
were retained, because it was thought they 
were decent in themselves; those who waited 
upon the Lord undet the Mosaic dispensation 



THE REFORMATION. 87 

having been thus clothed; white being the 
emblem of purity, &c. Moreover, it was 
supposed, that the Romish clergy having used 
them, was not a sufficient cause for throwing 
them aside. 

It was ordered, that, in the eucharist, water 
should be mingled with wine, and the bread 
should be unleavened; and that, on all holy- 
days, when there was no administration, the 
whole office of the communion, except the 
consecrating prayer, should be used, to re- 
mind the people of the sufferings of Christ, 
as well as of the sacrament. 

In the primitive church, portions of the 
bread and wine were sent by boys or other 
laics to those who were sick or in prison. 
The church of Rome, on the other hand, 
carried about the sacrament with great pomp 
and adoration. Between these two, the re- 
formers steered a middle course. Though 
.they preferred having them in ,the churches, 
they allowed both the sacraments to be admi- 
nistered in private, when necessary. They 
consecrated and administered the eucharist 
in the room of the sick person, that they might 
avoid both the pomp of vain processions, and 
the indecency of sending the sacrament by 



88 HISTORY OF 

common hands. Besides, they remembered 
the saying of Christ— Where two or three are 
met together in my name, there am I in the 
midst of them. 

While these changes were in progress, 
much disturbance arose, pulpit being arrayed 
against pulpit, on account of them ; insomuch, 
that a proclamation is said to have issued, 
suspending all preaching until the " uniform 
order" in preparation, was published; and 
declaring, that, in the mean time, the people 
could be well employed in prayer and hearing 
the homilies. 

In Germany, the emperor, despairing of 
procuring a translation of the council, caused 
a form of religion to be drawn up, which he 
called the Interim, intending it to continue as 
the standard, until a council could be called 
in his dominions. This was received by the 
diet, but it was disliked by both protestants 
and papists. Martin Bucer called it down- 
right popery; and the Romans said it was 
great usurpation in the emperor to meddle 
with points of religion. But he determined to 
carry it through; and, the breach between 
him and the pope became so great, that many 
of the wiser papists began to fear Germ am 



THE REFORMATION. 89 

would follow England. But the Germans 
refused to agree to the Interim; especially the 
protestants; some of them declaring that they 
would not resist the emperor — their gates 
should remain open, and he might come and 
destroy them; but they could not receive the 
Interim under pain of eternal damnation. 
The duke of Saxe, who was his prisoner, re- 
fused to receive it, though tempted by great 
offers. He told those who kept him, his per- 
son was in their power, but his conscience in 
bis own; and he should, on no account, de- 
part from the Augsburgh confession. Among 
the Lutheran divines, there were great dis- 
putes on the subject of compliance. Melanc- 
thon thought, as the ceremonies of popery 
were, in their own nature, indifferent, they 
might be used. Others were of opinion, that 
receiving the ceremonies of Rome would make 
way for all her errors; and that they ceased to 
be indifferent, when enjoined as necessary to 
salvation, But, the emperor proceeding reso- 
lutely, many divines were driven away; some 
sought concealment; many fled to Switzer- 
land, and some to England. 

Beginning to despair of the reformation in 
Germany, and hearing of the proceedings in 
g2 



90 HISTORY OF 

England, Calvin wrote to the protector, Oct. 
29th, 1548, exhorting him to go on as Heze- 
kiah had done in his reformation. He lamented 
the heat of some that professed the gospel, and 
complained that he heard there were few 
lively sermons in England ; and, that the 
preachers recited their discourses coldly. 
He greatly approved a set form of prayers, 
" whereby the consent of all the churches did 
more manifestly appear;" but he advised to 
leave out the prayers for the dead, the use of 
chrism, and extreme unction, which were still 
retained. 

Bucer also wrote, congratulating the re- 
formers, and answering a book which Gardi- 
ner had written against him. 

The parliament which sat in November, 
passed a law allowing the marriage of priests, 
and another confirming the liturgy, and or- 
dering it to be used. The use of other psalms 
or prayers, was allowed, on condition that 
those in the book were not omitted. This 
proviso was specially intended for the version 
of the psalms, then much sung by all who 
loved the reformation; and, in many places, 
used in churches. 



THE REFORMATION. 91 

The gloria in excelsis, used after the sacra- 
ment, and the celebrated Te Deum, prepared 
by bishop Ambrose in an early age, had, with 
other good things, been abused by the papists; 
but the reformers now restored them to their 
primitive use. 

In 1549, the commons sent a petition to the 
protector to restore Latimer to the bishopric of 
Worcester; but that good old man, being very 
ancient, preferred going about and preaching, 
to engaging in affairs of government. 

Fasting, which had been practised from the 
first age of Christianity, was much abused by 
the Romans; for, whereas the primitive disci- 
ples made it a means of subduing the flesh to 
the spirit, they used it rather as an excuse for 
greater indulgence. Dining on fast days, 
feasting on the most delicious fish dressed in 
the most exquisite manner, and drinking the 
richest wines, they differed very much from 
the early Christians, who abstained entirely, 
and supported nature by nothing but the most 
common roots and herbs. 

The reformers retained fasting, but abo- 
lished its abuse. Fridays, Saturdays, Ember- 
days, Lent, and such other seasons as should 



92 HISTORY OF 

be specially announced, were declared fish 
days. Occasional abstinence, or fasting, with 
prayer and true devotion, was considered as 
one of the greatest aids in attaining a spiritual 
temper and a holy life. 



THE REFORMATION. 93 



CHAPTER VII. 

Great attachment to the reformation expressed — Com- 
plaints against the Priests — Real presence discussed 
— Anabaptists — Joan of Kent — Infant baptism — ■ 
Predestination — Rebellion. 

"Peter was a fool! Peter was a fool'/ 5 
Such, as story tells, was the sermon of a priest 
at Rome, who had been observing the luxury 
and state of the pope and his cardinals, and 
contrasting with them the poverty and suffer- 
ing of the apostle. I am not prepared to adopt 
this language; but, it appears very evident, 
that, if Peter were to rise from his tomb, and 
behold the monstrous abominations sheltered 
under his name, he would say — surely the 
world has remembered my fall, but forgotten 
my repentance. 

A corrupted church is like a field overrun 
with tares, and thorns, and ivy, interweaving 
their rank luxuriance, and mocking the hopes 
of the husbandman. — The cares of this world 
and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lasts of 



94 HISTORY OF 

other things, easily choke the word, and ren- 
der it unfruitful He has no pleasant business 
who attempts the task of rooting out the rub- 
bish. Multitudes of weeds may be thrown over 
the fence, and yet many remain. Besides, a 
blow aimed at a noxious shoot may destroy 
the springing grain. Of this the English re- 
formers appear to have been fully aware. 
Theirs was no rash headlong temper, but a 
calm, studious, prayerful spirit, accompanied 
by meekness, and directed by love. 

Both clergy and laity expressed, in strong 
terms, their attachment to the reformation and 
to the king. The clergy granted a subsidy of 
six shillings in the pound to be paid in three 
years, and acknowledged the great quietness 
they enjoyed, having no let or impediment in 
the service of God; — the laity were more full 
in their preamble, declaring they were ready 
to forsake all, rather than the true religion of 
Christ. 

Complaints were entered against some of 
the priests, that they read the prayers in the 
same tone of voice which they had formerly 
used with the Latin service, so that the people 
did not understand them; whereupon, it was 
directed, that, in all parish churches, the ser- 



THE REFORMATION. 95 

vice should be read in a plain, audible manner, 
but that the ancient tone should remain in the 
cathedrals, where there were great choirs well 
acquainted with it, and where it agreed better 
with the music used in the anthems. But, 
even there, it was thought not appropriate to 
the litany; and, a determination was entered 
into, that, as the old readers dropped off, 
those should be put in their places, who would 
officiate in a plain voice. 

Other abuses remained of more importance, 
such as, using some of the old ceremonies at 
the communion, and saying beads, ten aves 
for one pater-noster, — praying ten times to 
the Virgin Mary for once to God. These 
were forbidden. The priests continued se- 
cretly to use soul-masses many in a day, pro- 
curing one person to commune with them at 
each time, to avoid the censure of the law; to 
prevent this, it was ordered, that there should 
be but one communion a day in any church, 
except on Christmas and Easter, when, greater 
numbers attending, two were allowed. In the 
days of popery, markets had been held, and 
bargains made in the church-yards; these 
were forbidden, especially in the time of ser- 



96 HISTORY OF 

vice and sermon. The curates were instructed 
to declare the catechism every sixth week, as 
well as preach. Moreover, directions were 
sent to Bonner, bishop of London, to have no 
mass in St. Paul's, as the example would cor- 
rupt the whole kingdom. He had resolved to 
comply in every thing, and obeyed. 

Every where the new book of service was 
received, except by lady Mary. Mass was 
celebrated in her house, and she requested the 
emperor to interpose in her behalf, that she 
might not be forced to any thing against her 
conscience. She expostulated with the coun- 
cil; but they required her to conform, and not 
" encourage peevish and obstinate persons by 
her stiffness." 

The manner of Christ's presence in the sa- 
crament was discussed in public disputations 
at Oxford and Cambridge, and the decision 
was against the corporal presence. 

Ridley, who bore a considerable share in 
these discussions, received his first informa- 
tion on the subject, from a work written by 
Bertram. Surprised to find one of the most 
esteemed men of the Oth century controvert- 
ing transubstantiation, he began to conclude 



THE REFORMATION. 97 

that it could not be one of the ancient doctrines 
of the church* He communicated his doubts 
to Cranmer, and they engaged in examining 
it with more than ordinary care. The result 
was their casting off the doctrine. 

The arguments that convinced them were 
such as these : — Christ could no more have 
meant to be understood literally, when he said, 
, This is my body, than Moses, when he called 
the paschal lamb the Lord's passover. After 
they were blessed, Paul had called the ele- 
ments, That bread and that cup. The saying, 
This is my body, was figurative, like the ex- 
pression, Put on Christ; and, Ye shall be bap- 
tized with the Holy Ghost and with fire. 
Christ is glorified; therefore, he can no more 
suffer, as this doctrine would represent. Very 
many other arguments operated on their 
minds. 

Moreover, they found the fathers against 
the doctrine; as Gelasius, an ancient bishop 
of Rome, who, in arguing with the Euty- 
chians, asserted, in plain words, that the sub- 
stance of the bread and wine remained as it 
was formerly, in its own nature and form; 

* See note H. of the Appendix. 
H 



98 HISTORY OF 

also Theodoret, Chrysostom, and indeed the 
whole cloud of early witnesses. Transub- 
stantiation was born in the dark ages, when 
the people were ready to receive any thing 
that would advance the dignity of the priests. 
The first belief was, that the whole loaf was 
turned into one body of Christ; so that, in the 
distribution, one had an eye, another a finger, 
&c; and this phantasm was supported by 
pretended miracles; as, that the host bled on 
being broken, &c. &c. This gave way to a 
notion that Christ was entire in every crumb 
and drop; and, it was said, he appeared upon 
the host, sometimes as a child with rays, some- 
times with angels about him. Alas, for the 
credulity of superstition! 

A sect of anabaptists sprung up in Ger- 
many, who were guilty of the greatest enor- 
mities. Pretending to be reformers, they 
discarded the most essential doctrines of the 
gospel, calling the Trinity, the incarnation, 
the fall, and the aids of grace, philosophical 
subtleties, not deducible from scripture. They 
also rejected infant baptism. Many of these 
made their appearance in England. Com- 
plaints were presented to the council against 



THE REFORMATION. 99 

them, and directions issued to excommunicate 
and deliver them to the secular power. 

Several London tradesmen were brought 
before the commissioners. They abjured their 
errors, among which were, that a man who 
had been regenerated could not sin ; that, 
though the outward man sinned, the inward 
man continued holy; and, that Christ was no 
moYe than a prophet. 

Joan of Kent, an anabaptist, refused to re- 
cant. Much pains were taken with her, and 
many conferences held; but, "she was so ex- 
travagantly conceited of her own notions, that 
she rejected all they said with scorn; where- 
upon she was adjudged an obstinate heretic, 
and left to the secular power/' The council 
" moved the king to sign a warrant for burning 
her; this he refused, saying, it was a cruelty 
too much like that condemned in the papists, 
to burn any for conscience sake. Cranmer 
was employed to persuade him. [Alas, poor 
human nature!] He argued from the law of 
Moses, which commanded the blasphemer to 
be stoned; stating, that her impieties were so 
great, the prince, as God's deputy, ought to 
punish them. Edward was not satisfied; but, 
with tears in his eyes, he set his hand to the 



100 HISTORY OF 

warrant, saying, that if he did wrong, it was 
in submission to the archbishop's authority, 
and he should answer for it to God. This 
struck Cranmer with horror, and he was very 
unwilling to have the sentence executed. In 
order to save her, Ridley and himself took 
the woman in custody to their houses, and 
exerted all their powers of persuasion; but in 
vain. She treated them in the most con- 
temptuous manner, with jeers and insolence; 
and finally was executed. Her indecencies 
ceased only with her life. 

Two years afterward, another was burnt. 
Popery had so long accustomed the world 
to the rage of persecution, that ejen the re- 
formers appear not to have understood the 
principles of toleration. But the errors of 
these persons threatened the state more than 
the church. 

There was a class of anabaptists who were 
not so dangerous. They only denied infant 
baptism. Against these no severities were 
used. Books were written, showing they 
were wrong, and arguments inculcated, such 
as the following, viz: — The saying of Christ, 
" Suffer little children to come unto me/ 5 
appears to declare them proper subjects of 



THE REFORMATION. 101 

baptism; for if they are fit for the kingdom of 
Heaven — the greater, certainly they are fit for 
baptism — the less. Paul calls the children of 
believing parents holy; and, in so doing, ap- 
pears to describe such a consecration of them 
as is made in baptism. All the Christians in 
existence at the present time have been bap- 
tized in their infancy, even the leaders of the 
anabaptist sect; so that, according to their 
views, no persons living have a right to bap- 
tize, for none have been properly baptized 
themselves. The uninterrupted practice of 
the church for fifteen hundred years is, in 
itself, a strong confirmation of infant bap- 
tism. 

The doctrine of predestination was much 
abused. The reformers, generally, had taught 
it, and many made strange inferences, saying, 
that since every thing was decreed, and no 
decree could be frustrated, all should leave 
themselves to be carried on by the current of 
the decrees without making any exertion. 
The consequence of this was, that some fell 
into great impiety, and others into despera- 
tion. The Germans had much discussion on 
the subject. Melancthon wrote against it; 
Calvin and Bucer maintained it, only they 
h 2 



102 HISTORY OF 

warned the people not to endeavour to pry 
into it, since it was a secret none could pene- 
trate. Hooper, and many other good writers, 
often exhorted the people not to enter into 
"these curiosities;" and a caveat to the same 
purpose was afterwards incorporated in the 
article of the church about predestination. 

Considerable tumults arose in consequence 
of the enclosing of lands for pasturage. These 
lands formerly belonged to the monasteries, 
and they were rented among tenants; but 
now, their owners converting them to sheep 
grounds, the tenants, who were numerous, 
were thrown out of employ. Besides, they 
had more time, in consequence of so many 
holy days and processions being abrogated, 
and they knew not what to do with them- 
selves, Their risings were numerous ; but 
the protector, who was the friend of the com- 
mons, succeeded in quelling them. However, 
there was an insurrection in Devonshire of 
fearful strength. That county was generally 
inclined to the old superstitions, and the popish 
priests made it their rendezvous. The rebels 
demanded the ancient ceremonies, as the 
mass in Latin, holy bread, holy water, palms, 
images, and many other things; one of which 



THE REFORMATION. 103 

was, that the Bible should be called in : — this 
they required for a notable reason, viz. that 
while the heretics had the Bible the clergy 
could not easily confound them. Cranmer 
answered these demands by suitable argu- 
ments, showing their folly. They were re- 
duced, and presented again, and again re- 
jected. The priests used every artifice calcu- 
lated to inflame the enraged multitude, carry- 
ing about the host in> a cart to the view of all. 
While this mob was in motion, another rising 
took place in Norfolk. Those engaged in this, 
pretended their only objects were to destroy 
the gentry and put new counsellors about the 
king. Their number increased to twenty 
thousand, without order or discipline. Parker, 
afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, went 
among them and preached very faithfully, 
charging home upon them their ill lives, their 
rebellion, and their daily robberies; but he 
narrowly escaped death. A third insurrection 
broke out in Yorkshire, so that the govern- 
ment was in great distress. 

A fast was proclaimed in and about Lon- 
don, and Cranmer preached, expostulating 
severely with his hearers, in the name of God, 
for their blasphemies, adulteries, mutual ha- 



104 HISTORY OF 

tred, and contempt of the gospel, attributing 
to them, in a degree, the present judgments, 
"It was a plain, faithful, inartificial dis- 
course." 

The rebels were defeated by lord Russel 
and the earl of Warwick: a few were exe- 
cuted, and the rest pardoned. 



THE REFORMATION. 105 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Ridley's honesty — Bonner — Protector sent to the Tower 
— Form of ordination — Ridley consecrated bishop of 
London — Latimer's faithfulness — Hooper's objection 
to the episcopal vestments — Bucer's opinion about 
them— The liturgy reviewed — Bucer's advice — His 
advice to the king about rural bishops, &c— Ridley's 
visitation— Germany— The Interim — Popish clergy 
dissemble — Cranmer's tenderness — Death of Bucer — 
Degradation of Gardiner. 

Times of trial create a kindly feeling among 
all who are surrounded by the same cloud of 
affliction, and tie, in the knot of concord, 
hearts that, by nature, seem to be separated. 
They annihilate the distinctions of clime, and 
colour, and kindred; aud throw into one tem- 
ple of union, the learned and the ignorant, the 
rich and the poor, the high and the low — all 
the discordant opposites of which society is 
capable. 

The mind, at such seasons, has no leisure 
to brood over trifles, or nurse prejudices. It 



106 HISTORY OF 

gives the whole grasp of its attention to things 
of greatest moment; and is not warped to the 
denial of evidence, by a fear of the destruc- 
tion of theories. The voice of truth is heard 
with distinctness; all its accents are allowed 
their full weight; and no deceiving echoes are 
sought for to lessen its effect. 

Hence, we see the reformers of the island 
and the continent, of Germany, Geneva, and 
Britain, forming one council of advice, and 
bringing their wedded energies to bear on the 
improvement and prosperity of the church of 
England; — Cranmer, and Calvin, and Luther, 
approaching nearer in their views of many 
principles, than some of their followers have 
been willing to acknowledge. 

Ridley, with others, was sent, by the pro- 
tector, to Cambridge, to superintend the con- 
version of several fellowships, appointed for 
the encouragement of the study of divinity, to 
the use of students of civil law. This act his 
conscience opposed; and he wrote to the pro- 
tector as became a Christian bishop, with re- 
spect, but firmness; saying, " I shall daily pray- 
to God to stay and strengthen my frailty with 
holy fear, that I do not commit the thing for 
favour or fear of any mortal man, whereby mr 



THE REFORMATION. 10T 

Conscience may threaten me with the loss of 
the favour of the living God." He thought 
the church sufficiently robbed and stripped 
already; and he resolved to assist in retaining 
all that was necessary for her support. 

Bonner was charged with being remiss in 
attending to the new service, neglecting to 
punish adultery in his diocese, &c. Sundry 
injunctions were given him; and, among other 
duties, he was commanded to preach against 
rebellion: to declare that true religion did not 
consist in mere ceremonies: that the magis- 
trates should be obeyed; and, that the king, 
though in minority, should be fully acknow- 
ledged. He was appointed to preach on these 
subjects. He discharged his office so lamely, 
wholly passing over some of them, and touch- 
ing lightly upon others, and, moreover, he in- 
veighed in such manner against the reforma- 
tion, rather exciting dissention than discou- 
ragmg it, that the council summoned him be- 
fore commissioners to answer for his conduct. 
His behaviour on his trial, was more like that 
of a madman than a bishop. His insolence 
was extreme. He called hard names, gave 
the lie, and broke out into a fury. He was 
deprived of his bishopric, and sent to prison. 



108 HISTORY OF 

The reason given in his sentence, was, his 
having refused to declare the . king's power. 
He was, indeed, a cruel andiierce..man. While 
in prison, by an odd 'sort of benediction, he 
consigned those who would not furnish him 
with puddings and pears " to the devil, to the 
devil, and to all the devils/' 

A powerful party, formed against the pro- 
tector, gained the ascendancy. He was de- 
serted by the whole council, accused, and sent 
to the Tower. This event delighted the papists; 
they hoped that with him the reformation 
would fall; but they soon discovered their 
mistake; for, so zealous was the king in his 
attachment to it, that, to be its promoter, was 
a sure passport to his affections. 

Parliament appointed a commission to re- 
vise the ecclesiastical laws, in order that vice 
might be more certainly punished. 

Reports having circulated that the old book 
of service was about to be re-established, the 
council wrote to all the bishops in England, 
reiterating the injunction to observe the new 
liturgy, and requiring, that all missals, ma- 
nuals, legends, and other popish books of 
service, should be given up; all images in the 
hands of private persons destroyed; and, more- 



THE REFORMATION. 109 

over, that every where, bread and wine should 
be provided for the communion on Sunday, 

Heath, bishop of Worcester, one of twelve 
who had been appointed to prepare a new 
book of ordination, refused to consent to the 
reformation proposed, and was committed to 
the Fleet. He was one of those who sub- 
mitted to the new order of things merely to 
keep his benefice, and who opposed at every 
step the whole progress of reformation. The 
council resolved to get rid of those time- 
servers who wanted only a convenient oppor- 
tunity to return to popery. 

Those who were engaged in drawing up 
the form of ordination, found, on examining, 
that scripture required nothing besides impo- 
sition of hands and prayer; and that no more 
was recognised, by either the apostolical con- 
stitutions, or the primitive church; therefore, 
they rejected the vain novelties introduced by 
later ages, such as anointing, giving of conse- 
crated vestments, and vessels for consecrating 
the eucharist; and agreed upon a mode of 
ordaining bishops, priests, and deacons, simi- 
lar to that now used by the church. They 
introduced the solemn questions and vows — 
solemn as the grave! — for instance, that 
i 



110 HISTORY OF 

searching interrogative, " Do you trust that 
you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, 
to take upon you this office and ministration, 
to serve God, for the promoting his glory, and 
for the edifying of his people?" Also, that 
weighty warning — "to teach the people com- 
mitted to their charge, to banish and drive 
away all erroneous doctrines, and to use both 
public and private monitions and exhortations, 
as well to the sick as the whole, within their 
cures." Who is sufficient for these things? 
I can do all things through Christ strengthen- 
ing me, said one of old. 

On the 21st February, 1550, Ridley, being 
esteemed the most learned, and most tho- 
roughly zealous for the reformation, was con- 
secrated bishop of London and Westminster. 

Sundry articles were this year presented to 
Gardiner, who was still in prison, and, he 
refusing to sign them, the fruits of his bishop- 
ric were sequestered, and his confinement 
made more close. 

Some fears were entertained that the king 
would marry a daughter of the king of France, 
who was a papist. Latimer, in a sermon 
preached before him in Lent, exhorted him to 
marry only in the Lord, and to provide that 



THE REFORMATION. Ill 

no marriages should be mere bargains, for 
such were a fruitful cause of whoredoms and 
divorces. At the same time, he lamented the 
vices of the times, the vanity of women, the 
luxury and irregularity of men, and pressed 
the importance of enforcing discipline even to 
excommunication. He said many were gos- 
pellers for the love of the abbey or chantry 
lands. He cautioned the king against seek- 
ing pleasure too much, or keeping those about 
him who would promote it. He said he was 
old, it was probably the last time he should 
appear there, and he discharged his conscience 
freely. He complained that the king's debts 
were not paid, and that yet his officers lived 
high, made great purchases, and built palaces. 
He prayed all to be good to the king, and not 
to defraud the poor tradesmen who wrought 
for his stores. 

Hooper was appointed bishop of Glouces- 
ter. He declined being consecrated in the 
episcopal vestments; saying, they were human 
inventions, not suited to the simplicity of the 
Christian religion, and among the beggarly 
elements condemned by Paul; moreover, that 
they had been abused by the papists. Cran- 
naer and Eidley alleged, that, though tradition 



112 HISTORY OF 

was rejected in matters of faith, it was good 
counsel concerning rites and ceremonies; and 
that, when Paul spoke of beggarly elements, 
he referred to the abrogated Mosaic institu- 
tions; which, nevertheless, he observed, in 
some degree, out of respect to Jewish preju- 
dices. Moreover, if the vestments were to be 
laid aside, because they had been abused by 
the papists, with equal propriety might the 
churches, and even the Bible itself, be aban- 
doned; for all had been abused in the same 
manner. 

But Cranmer was not contented with his 
own judgment, and that of his colleagues 
merely. He was a modest man, distrustful of 
himself, and disposed to pay all proper respect 
to the pious wisdom of others. He wrote to 
Bucer, the friend of Calvin, for his opinion. 
Bucer answered, that he thought the garments 
might be safely worn in obedience to the law 
of the land, though not in obedience to the 
law of Moses; that every creature of God was 
good, and no abuse could make it evil; that 
as those vestments had been worn by the an- 
cient fathers, previous to the days of popery, 
and might still be useful, by reminding the 
people of the purity that became them, and 



THE REFORMATION. 113 

as, moreover, they would manifest that the 
church did not change old customs out of 
mere lightness, it was best to retain them. 
He considered those persons as sinning, who 
refused to obey the laws of the land on this 
subject. But, he added, that, as the garments 
were abused by some to superstition, and by 
others to contention, he wished they were laid 
aside. 

He wrote also to Hooper, answering his 
objections. Peter Martyr did the same: he 
says, "His (Hooper's) business is now at that 
pass, that the best and most pious disprove of 
it." i 

Hooper was consecrated August 4, 1550; 
but his stiffness about the vestments was dis- 
approved of by all the reformers. 

A congregation of Germans, under John 
A. Lasco, having fled from home on account 
of a persecution raised concerning the Inte- 
rim, was allowed to hold its assemblies at St. 
Austin's, in London. Three hundred and 
eighty of these refugees became denizens of 
England. 

About the end of 1550, there was a re- 
view of the book of Common Prayer. Martin 
Bucer was consulted on this subject also; and 
i2 



114 HISTORY OF 

Aleffe, a Scotch divine, translated the work 
into Latin for his use. 

He gave as his opinion, that all things in 
the common service and daily prayers, were 
clearly according to the scriptures : but ad- 
vised some changes, such as exercising dis- 
cipline toward communicants ; omitting the 
half service used at the altar when there was 
no communion; also, the prayers for departed 
souls; the chrism in baptism, &c. He com- 
plained that baptism was administered too 
frequently in private houses. Moreover, he 
recommended that there should be catechi- 
sing every holy day; that none should be 
confirmed who did not really desire to renew 
their baptismal vow ; that catechising should 
be continued after confirmation, &c. Almost 
all the things to which he objected, were al- 
tered. 

Bucer sent the king, as a new year's gift, 
a book written for his use, " concerning the 
kingdom of Christ." In this, divers laws 
were proposed for Edward's consideration, on 
the subject of catechising; of releasing bishops 
from secular cares, and furnishing them with 
councils of presbyters; of placing rural bishops 
over twenty or thirty parishes, and admonish- 



THE REFORMATION. 115 

ing them to call their clergy together often, 
and inspect them closely. On receiving this 
volume, the young king wrote several dis- 
courses on the subject of reforming the king- 
dom; these displayed great probity of mind, 
and much talent. 

Bishop Ridley made a visitation of his dio- 
cese, propounding sundry queries, such as, 
whether any opposed the Bible or the prayer 
book; whether there were any private masses 
or anabaptist conventicles; whether the cu- 
rates visited the sick, and expounded the ca- 
techism. Among other things, he ordered 
that the altar, as used by the papists, should 
be converted into a table for the communion, 
because an altar gave the idea of sacrifice, 
which the Lord's supper was not. 

Certain week-day sermons or lectures, 
which were good and proper in themselves, 
but thought, for some reason, to have an evil 
tendency, were forbidden, and directions is- 
sued that prayers alone should be used. 

The scales were still suspended in Germa- 
ny, neither cause having gained the ascen- 
dancy. The tripartite discord continued, and 
papists, imperialists, and protestants, were 
hopeful of success. The emperor procured the 



116 HISTORY OF 

removal of the council back to Trent; but he 
could neither get the protestant princes to sub- 
mit to its decrees, nor the people to receive 
the Interim. He, however, threw the com- 
mand of his army into the hands of Maurice 
of Saxe, a friend of the reformation. 

In England, the popish clergy were re- 
markable for their compliance in every thing. 
They dissembled their opposition to the great- 
est extent, except when they could act secret- 
ly. The principle that governed them was, 
to oppose alterations, but to obey them when 
made. This Gardiner openly professed, and 
all the rest practised; and thus did they pre- 
varicate with both God and man. But Cran- 
mer was always gentle and moderate. He 
left their private consciences to God, and 
thought that, if they gave an external obe- 
dience, the people would follow them; where- 
as, if they were treated with severity, opposi- 
tion would be roused. He was naturally a 
man of " bowels and compassion," and did not 
love to drive things to extremities. He con- 
sidered that men, who had grown old in er- 
rors, could not easily lay them down, and 
were to be reclaimed by degrees. In the pro- 
ceedings against Gardiner and Bonner, he 



THE REFORMATION. 117 

was carried beyond his usual temper; but, he 
knew Gardiner to be so inveterate a papist 
and so deep a dissembler, that he was dis- 
posed to condemn him, more on account of 
his general character, than for the particular 
charges preferred against him. Bonner, too, 
had deceived him so much formerly, was so 
cruel a persecutor under the statute of the 
Six articles, and, withal, was so brutal and 
luxurious, that he felt it his duty to purge the 
church of him. 

In February, 1551, Cranmer lost his friend 
Bucer. He died at Oxford, and was buried 
with the highest honours. He was one of the 
most learned of the reformers; and, for zeal, 
true piety, and a tender care in preserving 
unity among the foreign churches, he and 
Melancthon deserve to be ranked by them- 
selves. 

Gardiner was deprived of his bishopric on 
sundry charges, and continued in the Tower. 
Several new bishops were appointed, so that 
the sees were generally filled with men friend- 
ly to the reformation. 



,118 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER IX. 

Articles of religion — Prayer Book — Reasons for using 
the confession and absolution — The ten command- 
ments — For kneeling at the sacrament — The lady 
Mary still a papist — Duke of Somerset beheaded — 
Germany — Council of Trent. 

It is no easy thing for human nature to 
retain its integrity, amid the solicitations of 
wealth and power. Man is so much a crea- 
ture of sense, that the objects of faith are 
easily made indistinct enveloped in clouds, 
and removed entirely from his view. A pre- 
sent comfort has greater charms than a fu- 
ture good — a temporal vanity, than an eternal 
crown. Hence, there are peculiar dangers 
attending an union between church and state. 
The views of the gospel, and the views of 
earthly governments, are too frequently an- 
tipodes; and it is by no means desirable that 
the ministers of Jesus should be brought into 
too entire confederacy with the officers of 
earthly power. The former had better pur- 
sue their quiet, prayerful, spiritual course, 



THE REFORMATION. 119 

remote from the policy, and plans, and bustle, 
of the latter. Even the new-born man has 
remains of depravity; and these remains are 
too prone to link him to the world, without 
being strengthened by connexion with the 
subtleties of politics, the vicissitudes of em- 
pire, and the glare of public parade. 

The greater number of the bishops being 
attached to the reformation, a considerable 
part of 1551 was spent in preparing articles 
as a summary of the doctrines of the church of 
England. This had been deferred, because 
the clergy were not ready for it; and it was 
thought best to purify the worship first, inas- 
much as that involved unlawful compliances, 
and even idolatry. The articles framed were 
similar to those now held by the church. 
Cranmer and Ridley are supposed first to have 
drawn them up, and then sent them about to 
others, for correction. By these, the errors 
of popery, of the anabaptists, and of the other 
German enthusiasts, were avoided, as also the 
niceties of the schoolmen, and the peremptori- 
ness of the writers of controversy; and, while 
every essential doctrine of the gospel was fully 
asserted, whatever was doubtful, or compara- 
tively unimportant, was left undefined — and 



120 HISTORY OF 

thus liberty given to all who were sound in 
the vitals of faith, to possess whatever opi- 
nions they chose about speculative points, so 
long as tbey did not disturb the peace of the 
church. Blessed spirit of charity! thus to 
weave a mantle which might embrace in its 
ample folds, all who would hold the head, 
whatever their diversity of sentiment about 
things hard to be understood! 

In the ancient creeds, there was great sim- 
plicity; but, by degrees, additions were intro- 
duced, to meet the rising heresies; and, at 
last, the schoolmen spun out the declara- 
tion of their subtleties to an unprofitable 
length, procuring anathemas against all who 
differed from them. These the German wri- 
ters followed too closely, becoming peremp- 
tory, and condemning, not only the Helvetian 
churches for differing from them about the 
manner of Christ's presence in the sacrament, 
but, also, each other, for "lesser punctilios;" 
thus exercising greatly the patience of Me- 
lancthon. This caused the English reform- 
ers to resolve on composing their articles with 
great temper, especially those concerning dis- 
puted points. 

The next business was, correcting the com- 



THE REFORMATION. 121 

mon prayer-book, with reference chiefly to 
the hints given by Bucer. It was determined 
to add to the daily service, a short, but simple, 
and most grave, confession of sins, in the use 
of which, the people were expected to make a 
sincere and hearty acknowledgment of all their 
iniquities, as well secret as open, unto God. 
To this was joined a general absolution, or 
pronouncing, in the name of God, the pardon 
of sin to all those who did truly repent and 
unfeignedly believe the gospel. It was thought, 
that, if the people seriously attended to these, 
they would cherish in their minds frequent 
reflections on their sins; and, moreover, that a 
general declaration of pardon, on condition of 
repentance and faith, was far preferable to the 
absolute and unqualified pardon which the 
priests were in the habit of giving in confession, 
by which the people were led to believe their 
sins were certainly forgiven; a delusion that 
lulled them in fatal security, and operated as 
a bounty to crime. Many were observed to 
come to the communion without due serious- 
ness or preparation; whereupon, as a means 
of arousing the consciences of all, it was re- 
solved to begin the office of administration 
with a solemn reading of the ten command- 
k 



W2 HISTORY OF 

merits, during which the congregation was to 
kneel, as if hearing the law anew; at the 
close of each commandment imploring mercy 
for past offences, and grace for the time to 
come. This was supposed calculated to excite 
remembrance of transgressions, and to pre- 
vent receiving the holy sacrament unwor- 
thily. Kneeling was considered the most 
appropriate posture in receiving the commu- 
nion, and, therefore, continued; but, at the 
same time, it was declared that, that gesture 
was retained as the most reverent and hum- 
ble way of expressing a sense of the mercies 
of God, vouchsafed through the death of 
Christ, and not as a sign of idolatrous adora- 
tion to the bread and wine. When the sa- 
crament was first administered, it was no 
doubt in the table posture, lying along on one 
side. But the Jews appear to have changed 
the posture used in receiving the passover, 
from standing to lying; a change sanctioned 
by our Saviour; and, surely, it is equally 
correct to change the mode of receiving the 
eucharist from lying to kneeling, especially 
as the eucharist was instituted in the room of 
the passover; and as, moreover, kneeling is 
better suited to the idea of an exalted, as 



THE REFORMATION. 123 

lying was to that of a suffering Christ. In- 
deed, all denominations of Christians appear 
to be united in the opinion, that, they may 
safely change the posture, for all of them have 
discontinued that originally made use of, viz. 
lying along on one side. 

Six eminent preachers were chosen the 
king's chaplains, of whom two were to be 
always at court, and four travelling through 
the country, instructing the people. These 
were intended to supply the defects of the 
clergy, the greater part of whom were " very 
faulty." 

Much pains were taken to induce the lady 
Mary to desist from having mass in her house, 
but she continued intractable. Bishop Ridley 
was sent to her, but she refused to hear him 
preach. After an interview with her, he was 
asked to drink, which he did, but immediately 
regretted — saying, he ought not to have drunk 
in a place where God's word was rejected, 
but rather to have shaken the dust from his 
feet as a testimony. This he pronounced with 
great concern, and he left the house much 
troubled in mind. Elizabeth, on the other 
hand, was friendly to the reformation, and 
received all the changes cheerfully. 



124 HISTORY OF 

Through the power of his enemies, the 
duke of Somerset, uncle to Edward, was exe- 
cuted. He died like a Christian, rejoicing 
that religion was brought so near to the form 
and order of the primitive church. The duke 
of Northumberland was the chief cause of his 
fall. He was ambitious, and dreaded so great 
a rival. 

In Germany, the council of Trent was pro- 
gressing in the declaration of popish doctrines, 
though not without great difficulties. As to 
the eucharist, they declared that the manner 
of the presence could hardly be expressed, 
and yet they called transubstantiation a suita- 
ble term for it. "But this might be weli 
enough defended, since that was a thing as 
hard to be either expressed or understood, as 
any thing they could have thought on." In a 
temporal point of view, the protestants gained 
ground upon the emperor. 

Parliament ordained, January, 1552, that 
all men should attend divine service every 
Sunday and holy day, under pain of certain 
censures. 

There was also an act passed concerning 
fasts and holy days. These, it was said, were 
established to afford greater opportunity of 



THE REFORMATION. 125 

retiring from worldly pursuits, and devoting 
the soul to the service of God. As to Saints' 
days, they were not dedicated to the Saints, 
but to God in remembrance of them. 

The marriage of the clergy was more fully 
recognised, and, moreover, an act passed 
against usury, and another against simony, or 
abusing ecclesiastical livings, by reserving 
pensions out of benefices, or otherwise. 

The duke of Northumberland, not satisfied 
with the blood of the protector, sought the 
destruction of Tonstal, bishop of Duresme, 
but could not succeed. Cranmer defended 
him, and, though he was sent to the Tower, he 
was not attainted. He was a complying po- 
pish bishop, but a man of so much candour 
and moderation, that Cranmer had a great 
friendship for him. 

The articles of religion prepared during the 
last year were agreed to by the convocation ; 
and thus was the reformation of doctrine and 
worship brought to its completion. No fur- 
ther change took place in them in the reign 
of Edward, and very little afterwards, except 
that some of the articles were put in more 
general terms in the days of Elizabeth. 
k2 



126 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER X. 

Ecclesiastical laws — The Trinity, &c. — Heresies- 
Punishment of heretics and others — Against Simony 
— Examination of candidates for orders — Purgation 
— The poor — Church officers — Duty of bishops — An- 
nual convocations — Excommunication — Receiving of 
penitents — Reformation of the clergy — Council of 
Trent — Dioceses divided — Mode of appointing bishops 
— Letters patent to teach the catechism — Sickness of 
Edward — His charities — His death — His character. 

After men of tried wisdom and approved 
integrity have departed this life, there is a 
pleasure in contemplating, not only their deeds, 
but their intentions: especially if those men 
were the chief actors in laying the foundation 
of a political edifice, or removing the excres- 
cencies of an ecclesiastical polity. If, by 
any occurrence of circumstances, they were 
prevented from accomplishing all they de- 
sired, memorials of their wishes may serve to 
guide survivors in the path of improvement, or 
warn against errors left unreformed; although 
iinalloved truth can be found no where but in 



THE REFORMATION. 127 

the Bible, as imperfection must adhere to 
every thing human. 

Cranmer and his colleagues had long been 
anxious for the completion of a body of eccle- 
siastical laws, for the general regulation of the 
church in its various departments. He had 
pressed this subject in the reign of Henry. 
Under the present king, thirty-two persons 
were appointed to attend to it; and, subse- 
quently, eight others, to prepare the work for 
their review. Of these, Cranmer was one; 
and he is stated to have drawn up nearly the 
whole; thus proving himself the greatest ca- 
nonist in England. These laws were ar- 
ranged under fifty-one titles, and were finish- 
ed in February, 1552. A commission was 
appointed to revise and correct them, that 
they might be presented to the king; but his 
death prevented their being established. 

The first recognised the Trinity and the 
Catholic church. It provided that those who 
denied the Christian religion should suffer the 
loss of their goods, and death. It numbered 
the books of scripture, and declared the power 
of the church to be subject to the scriptures. 
The four general councils were acknowledg- 
ed, but all councils were subjected to the test 



128 HISTORY OF 

of scripture. The writings of the fathers 
were received, so far as they agreed with 
scripture. 

The second, enumerated heresies against 
the Trinity, Jesus Christ, and the scriptures; 
treated of original sin and justification; con- 
demned the mass and purgatory; censured all 
who denied magistracy, or asserted the com- 
munity of goods or of wives, or denied the 
pastoral office, or asserted that any might 
assume it at pleasure, or who thought the 
sacraments naked signs, or denied the bap- 
tism of infants, or thought none could possi- 
bly be saved who were not baptized; or who 
asserted transubstantiation, or denied the law- 
fulness of marriage, especially in the clergy, 
or excused their ill lives by pretence of pre- 
destination, as many wicked men did. From 
these and all other heresies, all were dis- 
suaded. 

The third provided, that obstinate heretics 
should be declared infamous, incapable of 
public trust, or giving testimony in any court; 
thus abolishing all capital proceedings for 
heresy. 

The fourth provided, that blasphemy, 
flowing from hatred, or rage against God, 



THE REFORMATION. 129 

should be punished in the same manner as 
heresy. 

The fifth was about baptism, the Lord's 
supper, retaining imposition of hands in ordi- 
nation, celebrating marriages with solemnity, 
confirmation by bishops, and pastoral visits to 
the sick. 

The sixth forbade witchcraft, idolatry, ma- 
gic, and consulting with conjurers, under pe- 
nalty of excommunication. 

The seventh declared, that bishops should 
carefully examine all who presented them- 
selves for license, and once a year gather to- 
gether all the licensed preachers in their dio- 
ceses, making strict inquiry into the state of 
each flock— what vices abounded, and what 
remedies were necessary. Those who refused 
to hear sermons, or made disturbance in 
churches, were to be separated from the com- 
munion. It seems to have been designed that 
there should be evangelists in every diocese — 
preachers who should itinerate and be con- 
fined to no settled cure. 

The eighth ordained, that banns should be 
published before marriage, that seducers should 
marry those they deceived or be excommuni- 
cated, or, if unable to marry, should give them 



ISO HISTORY OF 

one-third of their goods, and endure other 
punishments. Marriages without the consent 
of parents were declared null. Mothers were 
required to suckle their children. 

By the ninth, marriage within the levitical 
degrees, and those reciprocal to them, was 
forbidden. 

The tenth was against adultery. 

By the eleventh, patrons were directed not 
to abuse benefices to base or sacrilegious ends. 
Benefices were not to be given or promised 
before they were void, nor to lie destitute more 
than six months on pain of their devolving to 
the bishop. As the character of clergymen 
was one of the principal things on which the 
happiness of the church depended, all candi- 
dates were to be examined by the archdeacon, 
and such others as the bishop should ap- 
point, and by the bishop himself. Moreover, 
they were to make oath that they would an- 
swer sincerely to the questions proposed. — 
The chief subjects of examination were the 
points of doctrine mentioned in the catechism ; 
care was to be taken that they cherished no 
heretical opinions, and it was to be ascertain- 
ed that they understood the scriptures. None 
were to be admitted to more cures than one: 



THE REFORMATION. 131 

ail pluralities were forever to cease. None 
were to be absent from their cures except for 
a time, and on good excuse, deemed sufficient 
by the ordinary, who was to take great care 
that no absence was allowed for a longer time 
than necessary. All were to enter upon their 
cure within two months after being instituted. 
Prebendaries who had no particular charge 
were to preach in the churches adjacent to 
them. Bastards were not to be admitted to 
orders, unless they had eminent qualities. 

The twelfth, and thirteenth, related to re- 
nouncing and changing benefices. 

The fourteenth was concerning purgation 
upon common fame. If any scandal was al- 
leged against a man, the bishop was empow- 
ered to make him swear that he was innocent, 
and produce four compurgators who should 
swear that they believed what he swore was 
true. All superstitious purgations, such as 
those born in the dark ages, were rejected. 

The fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and 
eighteenth, were about dilapidations of pro- 
perty belonging to churches and colleges, the 
collation of benefices, and purgations from 
simony. 

By the nineteenth, it was directed that the 



132 HISTORY OF 

morning prayer should be used on holy days, 
with the communion serviee; that the sacra- 
ment should be administered at the cathedrals 
every Sunday; that there should be no ser- 
mons at the cathedrals in the morning, be- 
cause they drew the people from their parish 
churches, though sermons were allowed in 
the afternoon; that there should be no figured 
music in the anthems; that, except in large 
parishes, there should be preaching in the 
parish church only in the morning; that all 
who wished to receive the sacrament, should 
come the day before and inform the minister, 
who was to examine their consciences, and 
their belief; that, in the afternoon of holy 
days, an hour should be spent in explaining 
the catechism ; that, after the evening prayers, 
inquiries should be made respecting the poor, 
such as had given open scandal should be 
examined, and due penance enjoined — and, 
moreover, the minister, with some of the an- 
cients of the parish, should consult concern- 
ing the state of the people; that, if any behaved 
improperly, they should first be charitably ad- 
monished, and, if they continued obstinate, 
subjected to severer censures; but none should 
be excommunicated without consent of the 



THE REFORMATION. 133 

bishop. Divine offices were not to be per- 
formed in chapels or private houses, lest, 
under that pretence, the churches should be 
neglected, and heresies more readily dissemi- 
nated. Large noble families were permitted 
to have chapels, provided all was agreeable to 
the book of Common Prayer. 

The twentieth was concerning those who 
bore office in the church, — sextons, church- 
wardens, deacons, priests, and rural deans. 
The rural deans were to be named by the 
bishops, and to hold their station for one year. 
Their business was to watch over the manners 
of the clergy and people in their respective 
districts; to signify to them the bishop 's plea- 
sure, and to make a report of their state every 
sixth month. Archdeacons were appointed 
also, as general visiters over the rural deans. 
One of the prebendaries, or some person pro- 
cured by them, was, twice a week, to expound 
a portion of the scriptures. The bishops 
were to be over all, and to remember that 
their authority was given them in order that 
many might be brought to Christ, and that 
wanderers from the fold might be restored by 
repentance. All were to obey the bishop so 
far as agreeable to the word of God. He was 

L 



134 HISTORY OF 

to preach often in his church; was to ordain 
none rashly, ox for reward; to provide good 
pastors, and to deprive bad ones. He was to 
visit his diocese every third year, or oftener 
as he saw cause, but he was to do it at his 
own expense; he was to have yearly synods, 
and to confirm such as were well instructed; 
his family was to consist of clergymen whom 
he was to bring up to the service of the 
church, and thus, imitating those of St. Austin 
and other ancient bishops, to furnish a means 
of supplying the great want of good and faith- 
ful ministers; his wife and children were to 
avoid all levity, and vain dressing; he was 
never to be absent from his diocese, except 
upon public and urgent cause; and, when he 
became sick or infirm, he was to have a coad- 
jutor. If he became scandalous or heretical, 
he was to be deprived by the king's authority. 
The archbishops were to exercise the episco- 
pal functions in their own dioceses; were once 
to visit their whole province; to oversee the 
bishops; to admonish them for what was 
amiss; to receive and judge appeals; and to 
call provincial synods when necessary, having 
first obtained license so to do from the king. 
Every bishop was to have a synod of his 



THE REFORMATION. 135 

clergy at some time during Lent: these synods 
to begin with the litany, a sermon, and the 
communion; after which, adjourning to some 
private place, the clergy were to give the 
bishop an account of the state of the diocese, 
and to consult about whatever required atten- 
tion, each priest giving his opinion, and the 
bishop delivering the sentence; all was to be 
concluded as ^peedily as possible, and the 
decision held subject to an appeal to the arch- 
bishop. 

The nine next related to churchwardens, 
universities, tithes, visitations, testaments, and 
ecclesiastical censures, suspension, sequestra- 
tion, deprivation. 

The thirtieth treated of excommunication. 
This they founded on authority given of God 
to the church, to remove scandalous and cor- 
rupt persons from the sacraments, and from 
fellowship with Christians, and to continue 
this removal until they gave clear signs of 
repentance, and submitted to such spiritual 
punishments as had a tendency to subdue the 
flesh, and save the spirit. This power was 
entrusted to churchmen, and chiefly to arch- 
bishops, bishops, archdeacons, deans, and 
any others appointed by the church. None 



136 HISTORY OF 

were to be excommunicated but those who 
continued obstinate in great faults; and, to 
prevent rashness, he who sat in judgment was 
to have associated with him a justice of the 
peace; also, the minister of the parish where 
the party lived, and two or three^learned 
presbyters; in the presence of all of whom 
was the subject to be examined, and the sen- 
tence, which was to be in writing, pro- 
nounced. The sentence was to be published 
in the parish where the party lived, and in the 
neighbouring parishes, that all might avoid 
his company. None, but his own family, were 
allowed to eat, drink, or associate with him, 
under pain of excommunication. If he con- 
tinued forty days Without repentance, it was 
to be certified to the chancery, and a writ to 
issue for putting him in prison. On his be- 
coming sensible of his offence, and submitting 
to such punishments as were prescribed, the 
sentence was to be remitted, and he publicly 
reconciled to the church. " This was to take 
place against those who, being condemned for 
capital offences, obtained the king's pardon, 
but were, notwithstanding, to be subject to 
church censures." 



THE REFORMATION. 13f 

Penitents were to be received in the follow- 
ing manner. They were to stand without the 
church, and request to be again received into 
it; then the minister was to conduct them in, 
and, in a long discourse, the form of which 
was prescribed, to declare to the people the 
heinousness of sin, and the mercies of God 
in the gospel. After which, he was to show 
the congregation, that, as hardened sinners 
were to be abhorred, so sincere penitents 
were to be received with bowels of compas- 
sion. Then he was to warn the excommuni- 
cate not to mock God and deceive the people 
by a feigned contrition. This done, the peni- 
tent was to repeat, first, a general confession, 
then to name his sin, and to pray to God for 
mercy to himself, and that none might be de- 
filed by his evil example. He was then to 
beseech the people to forgive him, and re- 
ceive him once more into their fellowship. 
Upon this, the minister was to ask the con- 
gregation if they would grant his request; 
and, all answering in the affirmative, he was 
to lay his hand upon his head, and absolve 
him from the punishment of his offences, and 
the bond of his excommunication; and thus 



138 HISTORY QF 

to restore him to his place in the church of 
God. Thanks were to be offered at the altar 
for his restoration. 

The remainder of the laws referred, prin- 
cipally, to the regulation of the ecclesiastical 
courts. 

During this year, 1552, attempts were made 
to correct the disorders of the clergy. These 
disorders sprang from the extreme poverty 
and misery to which they were reduced. But 
nothing was done. Some of the ministers 
of the altar, as stated by a writer who ad- 
dressed the lord chancellor, were carpenters 
and taylors; others kept ale-houses. It was 
justly deemed a reproach, that, while the na- 
tion was so ready to support superstition, it 
should afford so little encouragement to true 
religion. Many of the clergy did not obey 
the king's injunctions with respect to the 
maintenance of students at the universities. 
In schools and colleges, the poor scholar- 
ships were generally filled with the children 
of the rich. Livings were scandalously sold; 
and the greater part of the country clergy 
were so ignorant, they could do little more 
than read. 



THE REFORMATION. 139 

The council of Trent still continued its 
session in Germany. After reiterated appli- 
cations, a safe conduct was at length granted 
to the protestant divines, but their proposi- 
tions were treated with great scorn by the 
pope's legates, who, seizing a convenient op- 
portunity, suspended the council two years. 

The princes and bishops had long wished 
for a general council, as a means of com- 
posing differences concerning religion, and 
reforming abuses in the church of Rome; 
while the pope had as long dreaded it, through 
fear that it would lessen his profit and prero- 
gative. The attention of all, therefore, was 
turned towards this of Trent. But, such was 
the number of poor Italian bishops, as well 
as the ignorance of many of the rest, such 
the dissentions of the princes, and such the 
cunning of the legates, that it ended with pro- 
ducing more harm than benefit. 

Maurice of Saxe, who had been placed in 
command of the imperial army, made such 
use of his power that the emperor was obliged 
to fly, and a complete revolution was effected 
in favour of the protestants; so that, eventually, 
the edict of Passau was made, by which the 



140 HISTORY OF 

several princes and towns were secured in the 
free exercise of their religion. 

Sundry changes were made in the bishoprics 
in England; and, among the rest, that of Du- 
resme, being found too large, was divided. 
The superfluous plate, jewels. &c. of the 
cathedrals and churches, were sold; one, two, 
or more chalices of silver being reserved for 
each church or chapel, besides furniture for 
the communion table and for surplices. 

Nor were these the only circumstances 
worthy of note in the progress of the cause. 
The king's letters-patent appointing to bish- 
oprics, deserve some attention. They began 
with mentioning the vacancy of the see, de- 
clared that the king, being informed of the 
good qualifications of the person named, ap- 
pointed him bishop during life or good beha- 
viour, gave him power to discharge the duties 
of a bishop, restored to him the temporalities, 
and ended with a charge to the archbishop to 
consecrate him. The episcopal function was 
acknowledged to be of divine appointment; 
and the king merely named the person to be 
made bishop, in such manner as lay patrons 
present to the livings, except that he gave 



THE REFORMATION. 141 

Slim legal authority to exercise his office in 
such part of the dominions as was designated. 
The office itself was received by imposition 
of hands. Only in a temporal point of view 
were the bishops dependant upon the king; 
in a spiritual sense, they derived their power 
from the apostles, through those who conse- 
crated them. 

In 1 553, the king, by letters-patent, autho- 
rized all schoolmasters to teach a new and 
fuller catechism, compiled, as is believed, by 
Poinet. 

But the instruction of the young, as well 
as spreading the scriptures among the old, 
and indeed the whole system of the reforma- 
tion, was now about to descend for a season 
to the grave. Edward, the hope of the church, 
the good, the pious king, became very ill. 
Having had the measles and then the small- 
pox, and having repeatedly taken cold from 
violent exercise, he approached the borders 
of the tomb. 

During his illness, bishop Ridley* preached 
before him, dwelling much on works of cha- 
rity, and, especially, on the duty of men in 
high stations to be eminent in such works. 
The king felt this subject to the quick. He 



142 HISTORY OF 

sent for the bishop, praying that he would 
direct him in the discharge of his duty. The 
bishop was deeply affected by this conduct in 
the young king, and burst into tears. He 
begged time for reflection and asked leave to 
consult with the lord mayor and court of 
aldermen, which being granted, and the king 
having written, requesting that they would 
consult speedily how the poor should be re- 
lieved, in conclusion, he ordered the Gray 
Friar's church near Newgate, to be a house 
for orphans, St. Bartholomew's near Smith- 
field, to be an hospital, and gave his own 
house of Bridewell to be a place of correction 
and work for such as were wilfully idle. He 
also confirmed and enlarged the grant for the 
hospital of St. Thomas in Southwark, which 
he had erected and endowed in the previous 
August. And when, on the 26th of June, he 
set his hand to these foundations, he returned 
thanks to God for prolonging his life to see 
their completion. 

He expressed great submission to the will 
of God, and appeared glad at the approach of 
death, only saying that he was desirous of life 
for the sake of the church. 

Fears being entertained that evil conse- 



THE REFORMATION. 143 

quences would result from the reign of lady 
Mary, the king was persuaded to pass over 
both his sisters, and settle the crown on lady 
Jane Gray. This was contrary to the regular 
succession, and was opposed by the judges 
and by Cranmer, who would never consent to 
disinheriting the daughters of his late master; 
but, with great difficulty, the duke of North- 
umberland effected it. 

Edward grew sensibly worse. At length, 
on the 6th of July, he saw his end approach- 
ing, and composed himself to depart in a most 
devout manner. His whole exercise was in 
short prayers and ejaculations. The last that 
he was heard to use was in these words, c Lord 
God, deliver me out of this miserable and 
wretched life, and take me among thy chosen: 
howbeit, not my will but thine be done: Lord 
I commit my spirit to thee: O Lord, thou 
knowest how happy it were for me to be with 
thee; yet for thy chosen's sake send me life 
and health that I may truly serve thee. my 
Lord God, bless my people, and save thine 
inheritance. Lord God, save thy chosen 
people of England: Lord God, save this 
realm from papistry, and maintain thy true 
religion, that I and my people may praise thy 



144 HISTORY OF 

holy name, for Jesus Christ his sake/ Disco- 
vering some persons near, he appeared trou- 
bled at the idea of their having heard him, 
but, with a pleasant countenance, said he had 
been praying to God. Soon after, the pangs 
of death coming on, he said to sir Henry Sid- 
ney, who was holding him in his arms, " I am 
faint;" and, with a prayer, "Lord have mercy 
on me and receive my spirit," breathed out 
his soul. Blessed are the dead who die in the 
Lord, for they rest from their labours and 
their works do follow them. 

King Edward departed from this world in 
the sixteenth year of his age. He was regard- 
ed as the wonder of his time. He was learned 
in the languages, in the sciences, and in the 
state of the kingdom. He had acquired great 
knowledge on all subjects, and attended very 
closely to all affairs, both foreign and domestic. 
His virtue and true piety also were very great. 
He took particular care of the suits of the 
poor, and was very attentive to paying his own 
debts. He took notes of whatever he heard 
in sermons that had reference more especially 
to himself, and judged of all men by their zeal 
for religion. He felt himself bound in con- 
science not to consent to his sister Mary's 



THE REFORMATION. 145 

having mass, because he thought it the duty of 
all kings to root out idolatry. On this subject 
he argued so learnedly with the bishops, that 
they left him amazed at his knowledge in 
divinity. He was so affable, that he was easy 
of access at all times, insomuch that he was 
generally beloved. He was compared to king 
Josiah. Much was expected from the reign 
of such a monarch ; but, for the sins of the 
people, he was taken to a better world. 



u 



146 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XI. 

Lady Jane Gray proclaimed — Mary made Queen — Her 
character — Gardiner's policy — Edward's funeral- 
Disturbance at St. Paul's — Mary's answer to the men 
of Suffolk — Bradford and Rogers imprisoned — Popish 
bishops restored — The reformers turned out of their 
pulpits, and papists put in their places — Hooper and 
others imprisoned — Images, Latin service and old 
rites, once more — Cranmer's conduct — He refuses to 
fly — He and Latimer sent to the Tower — The queen 
treats with the pope — Joy at Rome — Pool sent as le- 
gate but stopped — Lady Jane Gray executed — Eliza- 
beth imprisoned — Popery re-established throughout 
England — Dispute at Oxford — Cranmer, Latimer, and 
Ridley, condemned. 

The Lord's ways are not as our ways, nor 
his thoughts as our thoughts. Had the rising 
church been left to decide, Edward would 
have continued on the throne of England un- 
til the reformation was perfectly established, 
and the rubbish of superstition swept away 
entirely. Instead of that, we see him sum- 
moned to the tomb, and, in his room, not a 



THE REFORMATION. UT 

protestant, not a friend to pure and undefiled 
religion raised up, but a daughter of Rome, a 
patroness of ignorance and persecution. 

" God is Ills own interpreter, 
"And he will make it plain." 

Pursuant to the will of Edward, lady Jane 
Gray was proclaimed; but the people gene- 
rally declared for Mary, as did, at length, the 
council, and she was accepted as queen. Had 
not the duke of Northumberland been hateful 
to the nation, this event would not have Been 
effected without bloodshed. Lady Jane her- 
self had no desire to reign. She thought the 
throne belonged to Mary, and she was a wo- 
man of remarkable piety and learning, who 
had no relish for the station of queen. Mary, 
however, sent her and her principal adherents 
to the Tower. 

On her way to London, the new queen was 
met by Elizabeth; who, with a thousand horse, 
had come to assist her in obtaining the crown. 
She made her entry on the third of August, 
with great pomp. When she went to the 
Tower, whither it was customary for kings and 
queens to go previous to their coronation, 



148 HISTORY OF 

Gardiner, the duke of Norfolk, and some 
others, were set at liberty. 

Mary was naturally of a sombre cast of 
mind, inclined to superstition and melancholy. 
This native disposition was not a little in- 
creased by her adversities, insomuch that she 
became peevish and splenetic. In the differ- 
ences between her parents, she followed her 
mother's interests, which were, in fact, her 
own. At one time her father had become 
highly offended with her, and but one man 
dared to plead her cause; that man was Cran- 
mer. He saved her life. After her mother's 
death, she professed, though with much dissi- 
mulation, an implicit obedience to her father, 
declaring she would have no opinion, but that 
he should take her heart into his keeping, and 
impress upon it whatever his inestimable vir- 
tue, high wisdom, and excellent learning, 
should think convenient for her. During her 
father's life, she was exactly compliant to his 
will, and, after his death, she plead for no 
other religion than that established by him; 
but, now that she had ascended the throne, 
she manifested her secret wish, which was for 
downright popery, 



THE REFORMATION. 149 

Gardiner, who was a subtle man, desired 
to carry religion back, first, to what it was at 
king Henry's death, and then, by slow de- 
grees, to popery; but Mary herself was anxious 
to return immediately to the catholic church, 
as she called the church of Rome. Fearing 
that his influence was not sufficiently great, 
Gardiner wrote to the emperor, on whom the 
queen greatly relied, that, if his majesty would 
persuade her to make him chancellor, he 
would so order affairs that they should be 
brought back in due time to what she wished. 
In this he was the more earnest, because he 
understood she had sent for cardinal Pool, 
who, he assured the emperor, in his zeal for 
the popedom, would undo all. He stated that 
the people were not ripe for an immediate 
return to the bosom of Rome, partly because 
they held the church lands which must be 
given up, and partly because, for the last 
twenty-five years, popery had been set forth 
to them as the most intolerable of all tyran- 
nies. Gardiner succeeded. The emperor 
wrote to the queen in his favour, and he was 
made chancellor. So that now the measure 
of Mary's councils was, to do every thing 
slowly, and, by such sure steps, as should put 
m2 



250 HISTORY OF 

little to hazard. The duke of Northumber- 
land was condemned and executed. At his 
death, he declared he had always been a pa- 
pist, though, after the fall of the protector, he 
was the principal member of the council of 
king Edward. 

On the eighth of August took place the so- 
lemnities of Edward's funeral. It was in- 
tended that the burial rites should be accord- 
ing to the old forms; but this Cranmer stoutly- 
opposed, insisting that the king was a zealous 
promoter of the reformation, and, moreover, 
that the English service was then established 
by law. He performed, himself, all the offices 
of the burial, to which he joined the solemni- 
ties of a communion. His was, undoubtedly, 
a sincere sorrow; for, not only did he love 
the king, beyond expression, he also had 
reason to regard his funeral as the burial of 
the reformation, and the herald of his own 
death. 

On the twelfth of August, Mary made an 
open declaration in council, that, notwith- 
standing her conscience had been staid in 
matters of religion, yet, she was resolved not 
to compel or strain others. She expressed a 
hope, that, through the opening of God's 



THE REFORMATION. 151 

word, by godly, virtuous, and learned preach- 
ers, the people would be persuaded to em- 
brace the truth. 

Now, all the deprived bishops expected to 
be placed immediately in their sees. Bonner 
went to St. Paul's, on Sunday the thirteenth 
of August, and Bourne, his chaplain, preach- 
ed before him. Bourne spoke honourably of 
Bonner, and reflected sharply on the proceed- 
ings against him during the reign of king 
Edward. This caused a great tumult, and 
would have cost Bourne his life, if Bradford 
and Rogers, two reformed preachers in great 
credit with the people, had not appeased 
them. 

This was precisely such an event as the 
papists desired. Immediately they prohibit- 
ed all preaching, except by those who had 
the queen's special license, and thus, at one 
blow, closed the mouths of all the reformers. 
At the same time, the queen announced that 
she was of the same religion she had pro- 
fessed from her infancy. The people well 
knew that to be popery, and they anticipated 
an entire overthrow of ail reformation. 

The men of Suffolk, who were the first to 
rally round the queen on her seeking the 



152 HISTORY OF 

crown, and to whom, on account of their love 
for reformation, she had promised that there 
should be no innovations in religion, came 
now to expostulate with her, and to remind 
her of her pledge. She returned them no 
other answer, than, that they, being members, 
must learn to obey the head, and not think to 
bear rule over it. 

Bradford and Rogers, who had appeased 
the tumult at St. Paul's, and saved the life 
of Bourne, were treated with great severity. 
Their appeasing the people was considered a 
proof that they had great interest with them, 
and therefore, a presumption that they had 
excited the tumult, and, on this presumption, 
they were sent to the Tower. 

Bonner, Gardiner, and the other deprived 
popish bishops, were restored to their sees. 

On the twenty-ninth of August, Gardiner 
was empowered to give licenses, under the 
great seal of England, to such preachers as 
he should select. The reformers, seeing that 
there was no hope of their obtaining any li- 
censes, and, also, that their pulpits were 
about to be filled with men who would mis- 
lead their people, concluded, that, notwith- 
standing the interdict, it was their duty to 



THE REFORMATION. 153 

preach openly. Some contented themselves 
with having the prayers and other service in 
the churches, and instructing the people in 
private conferences. Hearing that their or- 
ders had been disobeyed, the council sent for 
several, and put them in prison ; among whom 
was Hooper, bishop of Gloucester. 

The popish party throughout England, 
growing insolent, began to make changes be- 
fore the laws warranted them, and, in many 
places, they set up images, and the Latin ser- 
vice, with the old rites. The council encour- 
aged them to the utmost of their power. 

In many places, where the people were in- 
clined to popery, they drove away their pas- 
tors. At Oxford, Peter Martyr was so illy 
used, that he fled to Lambeth for protection; 
but that was a poor fortress, for Cranmer him- 
self daily expected to be sent to prison. He 
was quiet, but he continued to give public 
and noble testimonies to that truth of which 
he had so long been the chief champion, 
Bonner behaved with great insolence, and 
announced that Cranmer was to be sent to 
the Tower immediately. Of this Cranmer was 
informed, and his friends advised him to fly 
beyond sea, but he refused so to do, saying, 



154 HISTORY OF 

that, as a persecution was rising, be would 
not dissuade others from flight, but, consider- 
ing the station he occupied, and the leading 
part he had taken in the reformation, he 
thought it indecent for him to fly. From this 
opinion no entreaties could move him. 

Seeing Cranmer so quiet, Bonner charged 
him with an intention to conform, whereupon 
he drew up a declaration of the falsehood of 
the charge, and of his willingness to defend 
all the doctrines and order of religion set 
forth during the reign of king Edward, as 
most conformable to the institution of Christ, 
and to the practice of the apostles, and of the 
primitive church. This he determined to use 
publicly, but, before he had fully completed 
it, it was procured and published without his 
knowledge; in consequence of which, he was 
called before the star-chamber. He acknow- 
ledged the production as his, but declared his 
sorrow that it had gone from him so soon, as 
he had intended enlarging it, and affixing it to 
the door of St. PauFs, and the other churches 
in London, with his hand and seal annexed. 
Contrary to the expectation of all men, he 
was dismissed. This was owing to the follow- 
ing circumstance. Gardiner knew that he 



THE REFORMATION. 155 

could not succeed him in the archbishopric, 
but that the queen intended Pool for that of- 
lice, and he, therefore, resolved to preserve 
Cranmer as long as possible. It was moved 
by some members of the council that Cran- 
mer should be merely deposed, and a small 
pension allowed him, with a charge to retire 
and not meddle with religion. He was gene- 
rally beloved for the gentleness of his temper, 
and fears were entertained, that, proceeding 
severely against him, would alienate the peo- 
ple, and endanger affairs in the next parlia- 
ment. The more relentless of his enemies 
objected to his being spared, contending, that, 
as he was the chief promoter of heresy, leni- 
ty towards him would make others obstinate. 
With these, the queen, forgetting the services 
rendered her during the life of her father, 
and mindful only that he pronounced the sen- 
tence of divorce against her mother, joined 
her influence, so that, at length, on the thir- 
teenth of September, he and Latimer were 
sent to the Tower. 

The foreign reformers generally, were al- 
lowed to depart. Among these were Peter 
Martyr; and John A. Lasco, with his flock. 
Many of the English fled the country, some 



156 HISTORY OF 

in the company, and as the servants, of French 
protestants. But the council soon took effec- 
tual measures to prevent this. Some who es- 
caped were eminent divines, who, being at- 
tached to no cure, felt themselves under no 
obligation -to remain. Having been deprived 
of their benefices, or otherwise separated 
from their flocks, they conceived that they 
did not, by flying, incur the censure of hire- 
lings looking only to their own safety. 

On the first of October, Mary was crowned 
with all the ceremonies of popery. On the 
tenth, parliament met. Two of the reformed 
bishops who attended, were deprived of their 
seats for refusing to worship the host. An 
act was passed confirming the marriage of 
king Henry to queen Catharine, and declar- 
ing the divorce unlawful. All the laws pass- 
ed in the reign of king Edward on the sub- 
ject of religion were repealed, and the ser- 
vice used in the last year of king Henry 
adopted. 

Mary, forgetful of the readiness with which 
her sister, Elizabeth, flew to her aid, when 
she was seeking the crown, treated her with 
roughness. 

On the third of November, Cranmer, the 



! 



THE REFORMATION. 157 

lady Jane Gray, and several others were at- 
tainted. By this attainder, Cranmer was le- 
gally divested of his archbishopric, but, not 
spiritually, according to the canon-law, and it 
was resolved to allow him to continue arch- 
bishop until he was solemnly degraded, agree- 
ably to the popish mode. The queen was 
determined to give him his life at this time, 
thinking, that, by so doing, she was released 
from her obligation to him; resolving, how- 
ever, to have him proceeded against for he- 
resy, that thus it might appear she did not 
act from a spirit of revenge, or on any per- 
sonal account, but purely for the sake of reli- 
gion. She wished to seem willing to pardon 
injuries against herself, but, on the subject of 
popery, she was inexorable. — Cranmer re- 
mained in prison. 

By a secret messenger, the queen signified 
to the pope her desire to bring back her king- 
dom to his sway, at the same time, requesting 
that her intention might not be divulged, lest 
it should create disturbance. She desired, 
however, that cardinal Pool might be sent 
over with a legatine power. This intelli- 
gence caused great joy at Rome. The pros- 
pect of England becoming once more tribu- 

N 



158 HISTORY OF 

tary— England, which, in ancient time had 
proved so abundant a source of wealth, filled 
the pope and cardinals with gladness. A pub- 
lic rejoicing of three days was kept. Pool was 
despatched immediately. 

Gardiner, discovering this, besought the 
emperor to stop his journey, declaring that 
all things were going on well, and that his 
coming would ruin all. The emperor stopped 
him. Mary, also, sent to him at Dilling, a 
town on the Danube, lamenting that her mes- 
sage to the pope had been made so public, 
and informing him that his coming over was 
occasioning great disturbance. She asked 
him to delay his journey, and requested his 
advice on sundry subjects. He recommended 
an immediate return to popery, without any 
temporizing, or fear of consequences. But 
Gardiner's policy prevailed. 

The emperor proposed to Mary a match 
with his son Philip, to which she consented. 

Seeing this design of uniting with Rome 
and marrying Philip, the commons were much 
alarmed; they sent an earnest and humble 
address to the queen, entreating her not to 
marry a stranger. She dissolved their ses 
sion. 



THE REFORMATION. 159 

An assemblage of the convocation was held, 
and Bonner presided. A disputation, chiefly 
on the subject of the corporal presence, was 
carried on, in which a very few of the re- 
formers were allowed to take part. They, 
however, after receiving much insolent treat- 
ment, were finally silenced by the prolocutor, 
saying, " You have the word, but we have the 
sword." 

So unpopular was the match with Philip, 
that revolts began to take place; but these, 
with some difficulty, were quelled, and Wiat, 
a ringleader, put to death. 

Lady Jane Gray and her husband were 
executed. Writing to her father, shortly be- 
fore her death, she said, " She rejoiced at her 
approaching end, since nothing could be to 
her more welcome than to be delivered from 
that valley of misery, into that Heavenly throne 
to which she was to be advanced." At the 
scaffold, having desired the people's prayers, 
she kneeled down, and repeated the fifty-first 
psalm. Then she laid her head upon the 
block, and cried out, " Lord, into thy hands I 
recommend my spirit." — She did not deserve 
this death, for she accepted of the royal autho- 
rity most unwillingly, and only at the earnest 



160 HISTORY OF 

solicitation of her father, and, moreover, in 
compliance with king Edward's will. 

Without any foundation, Elizabeth was 
charged with promoting the late revolts, and 
put in prison. 

The nation being now settled, the queen 
gave instructions to the bishops to take the 
circuit of their dioceses, and restore all things 
to the state in which they were in the days of 
her father; removing all married clergymen, 
establishing ancient ceremonies, punishing 
heretics, compelling the people to attend 
church, &c. She directed that the bishops 
should no more proceed in her name in their 
courts, and that the oath of supremacy should 
not be exacted. 

The bishops were made to suffer first. Se- 
ven were deprived because they were married. 
Six were turned out for other reasons. These 
removals, with three deaths, paved the way 
for the appointment of sixteen new popish 
bishops. 

This done, the bishops began to execute 
the queen's injunctions. The new service 
was every where cast out, and the old cere- 
monies set up. The most eminent preachers 
in London were put in confinement. A gene- 



THE REFORMATION. 161 

ral assault was made upon the clergy through- 
out England, on account of their wives. Out 
of sixteen thousand, twelve thousand are sup- 
posed to have suffered. Some were deprived 
without conviction. Some were turned out 
without being cited to appear. Many, who 
were in prison, were cited and turned out, for 
not appearing when they could not. Some 
left their wives for their livings. They were 
all summarily deprived. And, moreover, after 
their deprivation, they were forced to leave 
their wives. This piece of cruelty was found- 
ed upon a pretence that they had made a vow. 
In order to justify all this, writings were pub- 
lished against the marriage of the clergy. 

The reformers complained, that, the dis- 
putes of the last convocation were unfairly 
conducted; their principal men being in pri- 
son, and, those who were allowed to speak, 
much interrupted. It was, therefore, resolved 
to hold disputations at Oxford in the presence 
of the university, and, to this end, the convo- 
cation sent the prolocutor and several mem- 
bers of their body to that place, and, as Cran- 
mer and Ridley were the most learned of the 
reformers, they were removed from the Tower 
of London to the prisons of Oxford. To them 
n 2 



162 HISTORY OF 

was joined Latimer, then about eighty years 
of age. He was never accounted a man of 
learning, but he had been a celebrated 
preacher, and had probably promoted the re- 
formation as much, by his labours in the pul- 
pit, as others by their pens. 

The papists came to Oxford the thirteenth 
of April, 1554. They sent for the bishops, 
and assigned them a day each for defending 
their doctrine, but ordered them to be kept 
apart, and deprived of all access to books or 
notes. 

Three questions were to be disputed, viz. 

Whether the natural body of Christ was 
really in the sacrament? 

Whether any other substance remained be- 
sides the body and blood of Christ? 

Whether in the mass there was a propitia- 
tory sacrifice, for the dead and living? 

When Cranmer was brought forth, Weston, 
the prolocutor, exhorted him to return to the 
unity of the church. He answered, with great 
gravity and modesty, "I am as much for unity 
as any, but it must be a unity in Christ and 
according to the truth." 

When the dispute with Cranmer began, 
Weston made a singular stumble in the open- 



THE REFORMATION. 163 

mg of his speech. He said, " Ye are this day 
assembled to confound the detestable heresy 
of the verity of Christ's body in the sacra- 
ment." But, recovering himself, he proceed- 
ed. The dispute was carried on, Cranmer 
m the negative, answering all their argu- 
ments. 

The next day, Ridley was brought before 
his antagonists. He maintained the same 
ground with Cranmer, until the prolocutor 
was tired, and called out to the audience to 
cry with him, " truth has the victory." 

When Latimer was brought forth, he told 
them he had not used Latin much these 
twenty years, and was not able to dispute; but 
he would declare his faith, and then they might 
do as they pleased. He denied the corporal 
presence, and lamented their changing the 
communion into a mass, taking the cup from 
the people, and having the service in an un- 
known tongue. Perceiving they laughed at 
him, he told them to consider his great age, 
and to think what they might be when they 
came to it. They pressed him much to an- 
swer their arguments; he said his memory was 
gone, but his faith was grounded on the word 
of God. 



164 HISTORY OF 

During the whole disputation, there was. 
as Ridley states, great disorder, perpetual 
shoutings, taun tings, and reproaches; so that 
it looked rather like a stage, than a school of 
divines. 

After it was over, the reformers were 
brought before the papists, and required to 
subscribe with them. This they refused, as 
the disputation had not been fairly conducted; 
whereupon, they were pronounced obstinate 
heretics, and declared to be no longer mem- 
bers of the church. 

Upon which, Cranmer said, " From this 
your judgment and sentence, I appeal to the 
just judgment of Almighty God, trusting to be 
present with him in Heaven, for whose pre- 
sence on the altar I am thus condemned." 

Ridley answered, "Although I be not of 
your company, yet I doubt not but my name 
is written in another place, whither this sen- 
tence will send us sooner than we should by 
the course of nature have come." 

Latimer answered, "I thank God most 
heartily that he hath prolonged my life to this 
end, that I may, in this case, glorify God with 
this kind of death." 



THE REFORMATION. 165 

Weston replied, "If you go to Heaven, 
with this faith, then I will never come thither, 
as I am thus persuaded/ 5 

After this, there was a solemn procession in 
Oxford, the host being carried by Weston. 



166 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XII. 

Conduct of the Reformers in prison — Mary married to 
Philip — Cardinal Pool arrives— Parliament petitions 
to be reconciled to Rome — Their petition graciously 
received — All acts against Rome repealed — Laws 
against heretics revived — Discussions about heretics 
—Pool proposes a reformation of the clergy — Gar- 
diner advocates persecution — Persecution rages — 
Martyrdom of Rogers, Hooper, and others — Dr. 
Taylor — The nation filled with horror — Gardiner 
leaves the persecution to Bonner — Queen Mary's 
conscience — The Pope's modesty. 

WE behold now glaring before us, through 
no long vista, the flames of martyrdom; man 
quenching the firebrand of his malice in the 
heart's blood of his fellow man. It is indeed 
most awful to see such monstrous perversions 
of every thing sacred — the blackest passions 
of the human heart assuming the name, and 
wearing the badge, of the tender and merci- 
ful gospel. Truly Satan can transform him- 
self into an angel of light. 



THE REFORMATION. 167 

Ridley and Latimer were allowed to have 
some communication with each other in their 
confinement. This privilege was denied 
Cranmer; but letters were, with difficulty, 
sent to him. In one of these, Ridley wrote, 
that, he trusted, the day of their deliverance 
out of all their miseries, and of their entrance 
into perpetual rest, and perpetual joy and fe- 
licity, drew nigh. He prayed God to strengthen 
them with the mighty spirit of his grace. He 
desired Cranmer to pray for him, as he did 
also for Cranmer. 

The prisoners in London, hearing that the 
papists intended insulting them by such a 
mock disputation as that which took place at 
Oxford, wrote a declaration of their faith; 
and, at the same time, declined disputing in 
any other way than by writing; unless it 
might be before the queen and council, or 
either house of parliament. 

The princess Elizabeth was taken out of 
the Tower, and placed in the custody of lord 
Williams, who treated her with great civility; 
but the court, not being pleased with this, 
transferred her to the keeping of Sir Henry 
Belfield, by whom she was more roughly 
used. 



168 HISTORY OF 

On the 25th July, 1554, Queen Mary was 
married to Philip, son of the emperor Charles 
5th. His Spanish gravity and stiffness were 
not pleasing to the English. He, however, 
saved Elizabeth from the designs of Gardiner, 
who, knowing her attachment to the reforma- 
tion, was bent on her destruction. 

During the summer of 1554, the bishops 
performed their visitations. Their great ob- 
ject was, to see that every thing was executed 
according to the queen's injunctions, and 
above all, that popery was fully established. 
They did not re-ordain those who were or- 
dained in king Edward's time, but merely re- 
conciled them to the church, by adding such 
ceremonies as they considered wanting, as, 
anointing, giving priestly vestments, &c. Bon- 
ner, in the course of his visitation, conducted 
with great violence and impiety. He caused 
the passages of scripture, which had been af- 
fixed to the walls of the churches, against the 
real presence and other errors, to be erased. 

The carvers and makers of statues had 
now business enough, roods and other images 
being wanted for all places. 

On the eleventh of November, a new par- 
liament was summoned. In the writ of sum- 



THE REFORMATION. 169 

mons, the title, " Supreme Head of the 
church/' was left out. 

Affairs being, at length, in suitable train, 
cardinal Pool, the pope's legate, was allowed 
to come to England. He addressed parlia- 
ment in a long speech, inviting the nation to 
return to the papal see. To this speech a 
response was immediately given, for, a com- 
mittee of both houses was appointed, to pre- 
pare a supplication, beseeching that they 
might be reconciled to Rome. This petition 
was presented to the king and queen, by 
both houses, on their knees, praying them to 
be intercessors with the legate. The inter- 
cession was successful. Pool made another 
long speech, receiving the English nation into 
communion with Rome, enjoining, as a pen- 
ance, the repeal of the late laws, and granting 
full absolution in the name of his holiness. 

The penance was performed. An act pass- 
ed repealing all the acts against the see of 
Rome, since the 20th of Henry 8th. By a 
proviso iu this act, however, the lands taken 
from religious houses were not to revert to 
them. Not only were bulls from Rome de- 
clared lawful, and the title of Supreme Head 
severed from the crown, but, to encourage 
o 



170 HISTORY OF 

gifts to the church, the statutes of mortmain 
were repealed, for the succeeding twenty 
years. The laws against heretics were re- 
vived in all their violence. In passing these 
various acts, the house of commons manifested 
great ardour, because they saw this the most 
effectual way of recommending themselves to 
the queen. 

All the bills being ended, parliament was 
dissolved the 16th January, to Gardiner's no 
small joy. He had now performed every thing 
he had undertaken. He had fulfilled his pro- 
mise to the queen, and to the emperor; and, 
in consequence, his reputation as a great 
statesman and dexterous manager, was raised 
to the highest pitch. 

A consultation immediately took place as 
to the mode of dealing wiih heretics. Cardi- 
nal Pool advocated lenient measures. He said 
"Pastors ought to have bowels even to their 
straying sheep. Bishops were mere fathers, 
and ought to look on those that erred as their 
sick children, and not for that to kill them. 
He thought severe proceedings rather inflam- 
ed than cured the disease: and, especially, 
that great difference was to be made between 
a nation overrun with errors, and a few indi- 



THE REFORMATION. 1£1 

viduals infected." His proposal was, to begin 
with a strict reformation of the manners of 
the clergy, as, every where, their evil lives 
and ignorance had always been the most fruit- 
ful source of heresy. But Gardiner, who 
knew more about intrigues of state than ec- 
clesiastical affairs, was for violence. He felt 
confident, that, if the reformers knew they 
were to be burnt, they would soon renounce 
their errors. Both these counsels the queen 
adopted. She encouraged Pool to go on in 
correcting the manners of the clergy, and 
pressed Gardiner to proceed against the here- 
tics. 

The persecution began. Thirty were ap- 
prehended, at a meeting, where one Rose 
was about to administer the communion, ac- 
cording to the English book of service. They 
were put in prison. Rogers, who had been 
for some time in confinement, was, with seve- 
ral others, brought before the council. Great 
pains were taken to persuade them to re- 
nounce the doctrines of the reformation, and 
be reconciled to Rome, but they stood firm. 
They were remanded to prison, with orders 
to keep them more strictly than before. 

On the 25th January, 1555, Hooper and 



172 HISTORY OF 

Rogers were brought before their persecutors; 
and, both refusing to have any fellowship with 
anti-Christian Rome, they were condemned 
as obstinate heretics. 

On the 4th February, Rogers was led to 
Smithfield. He asked permission to speak to 
his wife, but this was denied him. Neither was 
he suffered to make any speech to the people. 
He said a few words, desiring all to continue 
in the doctrine he had taught them; a doc- 
trine, for the sake of which, he not only had 
patiently endured all the bitterness and cruelty 
exercised upon him, but, also, now, most 
gladly, resigned his life, and gave his flesh to 
the consuming fire. He repeated the fifty- 
first psalm, and fitted himself for the stake. 
A pardon was offered him if he would recant, 
but he chose to submit to the severe, but short 
suffering before him, rather than, by apo?tacy, 
to run the risk of everlasting burnings. The 
fire was kindled, and he was consumed to 
ashes. 

Hooper, after being degraded from his 
priestly office, was sent to his diocese of 
Gloucester, to be burnt there. At this he 
rejoiced, hoping by his death to confirm the 
faith of those over whom he had formerly 



THE REFORMATION. 173 

been placed. One day's interval was allowed 
him, which he spent in fasting and prayer. 
Some came to persuade him to accept of the 
queen's mercy, since life was sweet and death 
bitter. He answered, " the death that is to 
come after is more bitter, and the hfe that is 
to follow is more sweet." Once, as his friends 
parted with him, he shed tears; "All my im- 
prisonment," said he, " has not made me do 
so much." On the 9th of February, he was 
led to execution. Being denied leave to speak, 
but allowed to pray, he declared his belief in 
the strain of a prayer. The queen's pardon 
being showed him, he desired them to take it 
away. He prayed earnestly for strength from 
God to endure his torment patiently, and then 
undressed himself and embraced the reeds. 
When he was tied to the stake with iron chains, 
he desired them to spare their labour, for he 
was confident he should not trouble them. The 
fire was kindled, but the wood, being green, 
burnt ill, and the wind blew away the flame 
of the reeds. He prayed oft, " O Jesus, thou 
son of David, have mercy on me and receive 
my soul," and called to the people, for the 
love of God, to bring him more fire, for it was 
burning his nether parts, but did not reach his 
o2 



174 HISTORY OF 

vitals. The fire was renewed, but the wind 
still blew it away and prevented its rising up 
to stifle him, so that he was long in torment. 
The last words he was heard to utter, were, 
" Lord Jesus receive my spirit !" One of his 
hands dropped off before he died; with the 
other he continued to knock on his breast for 
some time. He was near three quarters of 
an hour in burning. 

Sanders was burnt at Coventry. He was 
condemned for preaching and refusing to 
conform to the new laws. A pardon was 
offered him also, but he said he held no here- 
sies but the blessed gospel of Christ, and that 
he would never recant. When he came to 
the stake he embraced it, and said, " Wel- 
come the cross of Christ ! Welcome everlast- 
ing life !" And so he was burnt. 

Dr. Taylor, parson of Hadley, followed next 
in the throng of martyrs. Several of the neigh- 
bouring priests going to say mass in his church, 
he went thither, and openly declared against 
it. Immediately, Gardiner sent for him to 
come to London. Some of his friends advised 
him to go out of the way, but he said, " He 
must follow Christ, the good shepherd, who 
not only fed his flock, but died for it. He was 



THE REFORMATION. 175 

old, and thought he should never be able, at 
any other time, to do his good God such ser- 
vice as he was then called to." So he went 
with much cheerfulness. Gardiner treated 
him with his usual roughness. He was con- 
demned and sent to Hadley to be burnt All 
the way he expressed great composure. When 
brought to the stake, he told the people he 
had taught them nothing but God's holy word, 
and was now to seal it with his blood. One 
of the guard struck him on the head, and 
made him cease speaking. Then he went to 
his prayers, and so to the stake. He was put 
in a pitched barrel. As the wood was laying 
about, some one flung a faggot at his head 
and broke it. He bled profusely; but his only 
answer was, " Oh! friend, I have harm enough: 
what needed that?" He repeated the fifty-first 
psalm in English, at which one of the guard 
struck him on the mouth, and bade him speak 
Latin. He continued his ejaculations to God, 
until the fire was kindled, and one of the guard 
struck him in the head with his halbert, so 
that his brains fell out. — And is it possible 
that these persecutors could call themselves 
Christians! 

Gardiner, who expected that a few instances 



176 HISTORY OF 

of cruelty would subdue all opposition to po- 
pery, was much disappointed, for the whole 
nation was filled with amazement and horror; 
insomuch, that he determined to have no more 
to do with the persecution, but left it to Bon- 
ner; a fit instrument, whom the very meek- 
ness of the gospel must pronounce both savage 
and brutal. 

The spirit of popery was now fully mani- 
fest, and the people could not but contrast it 
with that of the reformation. In the days of 
king Edward, the papists were merely turned 
out of their livings, and, in a very few in- 
stances, imprisoned: but now, the reformers 
were put to death with every variety of cruel- 
ty. Some were threatened with having their 
tongues cut out, unless they would promise 
not to make speeches to the people at the 
stake. 

Such was the astonishment of the nation at 
these cruelties, and such the disposition to 
charge them to him, that king Philip thought 
it expedient openly to disavow them. This 
startled the popish clergy a little; but they 
resolved to go on, and, rather than the here- 
tics should escape, take the whole blame upon 
themselves. 



THE REFORMATION. 177 

A petition was sent to the queen from some 
who were beyond sea, exhorting her, with 
many arguments, to stay the persecution; 
and, among other things, reminding her that 
Cranmer saved her life in the reign of her 
father; but all was in vain. 

On the 16th March, Thomas Thompkins 
was burnt at Smithfield, for denying transub- 
stantiation. Bonner laboured for some months 
to induce him to recant; first, by fair means; 
then, by cruel; tearing out his beard, holding 
his hand in the flame till the sinews and veins 
shrunk and burnt, &c. ; but, finding him in- 
corrigible, he delivered him to the stake. 

William Hunter, an apprentice of nineteen, 
suffered next. Bonner offered him forty pounds 
to recant; so mercenary a thing did he sup- 
pose conscience. During the month of March, 
a number of others were burnt. The mode 
of process was, not to summon witnesses, but, 
to present certain articles, and if the accused 
answered to these heretically, they were burnt, 
Ferrar, bishop of St. David's, was burnt. 

One White, an honest, poor fisherman, and 
a very old man, having sent his son to school 
that he might learn to read the Bible to him, 



ITS HISTORY OF 

was imprisoned; and, afterwards, on his an- 
swering as a heretic, burnt. 

But the people became so enraged at these 
persecutions, that a stop was put to them for a 
time. 

The conscience of queen Mary was dis- 
turbed about the church lands held by the 
crown. She made a surrender of them to the 
disposition of the pope. The pope declared 
to the English ambassadors, that all the church 
lands must be restored under pain of damna- 
tion; also, that the Peter-pence must be paid; 
and, that, they must not expect St. Peter would 
open Heaven to them, so long as they usurped 
his goods on earth. The ambassadors treated 
him with great submission, falling at his feet. 



THE REFORMATION. 179 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Persecution still rages — The dead body of a robber cited, 
condemned and burnt — The nobility and gentry di- 
rected to attend the burnings— -Gardiner's subtlety — 
Martyrdom of Latimer and Ridley — Death of Gardi- 
ner — Parliament disgusted, but Mary perseveres — - 
Reformation of the clergy proposed — Influence of the 
lives of clergymen — Germany — Abdication of Charles 
5th — Cranmer tried and degraded — His recantation — 
His martyrdom — His character. 

We would fain pause amid this recital, and 
contemplate, for a moment, the desperately 
wicked character of the human heart; how 
entirely resigned to selfishness, and how ut- 
terly dead to all that is holy, except so far as 
influenced by the spirit of God. We have 
adverted to this repeatedly before, but it is 
useful to revolve the reflection again and again, 
as it may fasten upon our souls a deep sense 
of the importance of our securing the baptism 
of the Holy Ghost. These English, or rather 
Romish persecutors, of olden time, though 



180 HISTORY OF 

they appear to our view reeking from their 
butcheries, are only exhibiting the same de- 
pravity of which we ourselves are sharers. 
If the blessed reformation, reflecting, upon 
our fathers and upon us, the unclouded light 
of the Bible, for centuries, has taught us bet- 
ter, we should remember, that, if left to our- 
selves, we should be prone to similar enormi- 
ties. And though, like Hazaei, we may each 
exclaim, "Am I a dog that I should do this 
thing?" we should rather inquire — were not 
these papists from the same stock with us? 
inheritors of the same nature? united to the 
same fallen Adam? Have we not in ourselves 
the seeds of every evil passion? and, though 
our constitutions are cast in somewhat different 
moulds, and our sympathies are diverse in de- 
gree, would not those seeds, if unchecked, 
spring up to the perpetration of every variety 
of sin? Surely, then, it becomes us, while we 
are weeping for others, to weep also for our- 
selves. Surely it becomes us, while we are 
wondering at the depravity of human nature, 
to call to mind the fact, that we are partakers 
of the same human nature; and to ask our 
consciences the question, each and every one 
of us, Have I been born again? Am I a new 



THE REFORMATION. 181 

creature? Have old things passed away, and 
all things become new in me? If this question 
cannot be answered in the affirmative, we are 
not fit for the kingdom of Heaven: so says He 
who has the key of that kingdom, the Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

Complaints being brought from the country 
that the justices of the peace were remiss in 
the establishment of popery, orders were issu- 
ed to them, to be more attentive to their duty, 
to encourage Romish preachers, and to seek 
out heretics. 

Bonner complained, on discovering that all 
the severities were left to him, and relaxed a 
little of his earnestness in persecution; but the 
king and queen wrote him a letter, admonish- 
ing him to proceed. 

In the month of June, many were burnt; 
and, among the rest, the dead body of a rob- 
ber, who, at the time of his execution, utter- 
ed something which savoured of heresy. This 
circumstance having reached the ears of the 
council, they ordered Bonner to inquire into 
it, and proceed according to the ecclesiastical 
laws. He formed a process, and cited the 
body to answer; but, as it neither appeared nor 
answered, it was condemned and burnt, 
p 



182 HISTORY OF 

Fears being entertained that tumults would 
take place at some of the burnings in the 
country, the council sent directions into seve- 
ral counties, for the nobility and gentry to at- 
tend and assist at the executions. 

Bradford, who had appeased the tumult at 
St. Paul's, in the beginning of Mary's reign, 
and saved the life of the Romish preacher, 
was burnt, and, with him, one Lease, an ap- 
prentice of nineteen. When they came to the 
stake, they both fell down and prayed. Then 
Bradford took a faggot in his hand, and kiss- 
ed it; he kissed also the stake; expressing 
thereby the joy he had in his sufferings. He 
cried, "Oh! England, repent, repent; beware 
of idolatry and false anti-Christs." But, the 
sheriff hindering him from speaking any more, 
he embraced his fellow sufferer, and prayed 
him to be of good comfort, for they should sup 
with Christ that night. His last words were ; 
" straight is the gate, and narrow is the way 
that leadeth into eternal life, and few there be 
that find it." 

Pool, though an enemy to these violent 
measures, did not dare oppose them, because, 
the pope, who hated him with a bitter hatred, 
only wanted a plausible excuse to destroy him 



THE REFORMATION. 183 

Gardiner, too, was full of jealousy, and this 
jealousy still led him to preserve Cranmer, 
for he feared, that, if Cranmer was put to 
death, Pool would be made archbishop of 
Canterbury. Gardiner excused his real de- 
sign in preserving Cranmer, by suggesting 
that it was better to use every means to in- 
duce him to recant, than to burn him; because, 
if he recanted, it would confound the whole 
reformation, and bring over all who were 
weak or wavering; whereas his death would 
only confirm them. 

Several were burnt at Canterbury in July, 
and many more at different places during Au- 
gust, September, and October; as William 
Allen, at Walsingham, six in one fire at Can- 
terbury, and others. 

On the 16th October, bishops Ridley and 
Latimer surrendered their lives at Oxford. 
A commission of sundry popish bishops was 
sent to try them. They refused to pay any 
respect to the authority of the pope, under 
which the commission acted; declaring, that, 
the bishops of Rome had been held in great es- 
teem for the worthiness of their character, and 
the dignity of their city, but, had no right to 
the supremacy claimed in latter ages. Great 



184 HISTORY OF 

pains were taken to induce them to accept of 
the queen's mercy, but they firmly refused. 
The night before their execution, Ridley was 
very joyful, and invited the mayor and his 
wife, in whose house he was kept, to be at 
his wedding next day; at which, when the 
mayor's wife wept, he said, he perceived she 
did not love him; he told her, though his 
bVeakfast would be sharp, he was sure his 
supper would be sweet. He was glad to hear 
that his sister would come and see him die; 
and was in such composure of mind that all 
were amazed. In the morning, as they wer6 
led out to the place of execution, they looked 
up to the prison where Craimier was kept, to 
see him, but he was engaged in a dispute with 
some friars, and was not at his window. He 
looked after them with great tenderness, and, 
kneeling down, prayed earnestly that God 
would strengthen their faith and patience, in 
that, their last, but painful passage. When 
they came to the stake, they embraced each 
other with great affection, Ridley saying to 
Latimer, "Be of good heart, brother, for God 
will either assuage the fury of the flame, or 
enable us to abide it. 55 Dr. Smith was ap- 
pointed to preach, and took his text from these 



THE REFORMATION. 185 

words — If I give my body to be burned and 
have not charity, it projiteth me nothing. He 
compared their dying for heresy to Judas 
hanging himself; and warned the people to 
beware of them, with as much bitterness as he 
could express. The best of it was, the ser- 
mon lasted not above a quarter of an hour. 
When he had finished, Ridley was going to 
answer him, and the lord Williams, who was 
appointed by the queen to see the execution, 
was inclined to hear him; but the vice chan- 
cellor said, " except he intended to recant, he 
must not be suffered to speak/' Ridley an- 
swered, " he would never deny his Lord, nor 
those truths of His of which he was persuaded. 
God's will be done in him. He committed 
himself to God, who would indifferently judge 
all." Then, addressing himself to the lord 
Williams, he said, " nothing troubled him so 
much as that he had received fines of some 
who took leases of him when he was bishop 
of London, which leases were now voided. 
He, therefore, humbly prayed that the queen 
would give order that those might be made 
good to the tenants, or, that the fines might be 
restored, out of the goods which he had left 
in his house, and which were of far greater 
p2 



186 HISTORY OF 

value than the fines would amount to : also, 
that some pity might be had of Shipside, his 
brother-in-law, who was turned out of a place 
he had put him in, and had now attended on 
him with great care/' After this, they both 
prayed and fitted themselves for the stake; 
Latimer saying to Ridley, "Be of good com- 
fort, we shall this day light such a candle in 
England, as I trust, by God's grace, shall 
never be put out." Gunpowder being hanged 
about their bodies in great quantities to has- 
ten their death, the fire was kindled. The 
powder taking fire, Latimer was, at the first 
flame, put out of pain. He died immediately. 
But Ridley suffered a more lingering torment, 
for they threw on the fire so much wood, that 
the flame could not break through it. His 
legs were almost consumed before this was 
observed; but then, a passage being opened to 
the flame, it put an end to his life. 

Thus died these two excellent bishops. 
The one, for his piety, learning, and solid 
judgment, justly esteemed the ablest man of 
all who promoted the reformation; and the 
other, for the plain simplicity of his life, a 
truly primitive bishop and Christian. 

Gardiner shortly after died also, He had 



THE REFORMATION. 187 

great remorse of conscience on account of his 
life. Day, bishop of Chichester, coming to 
him, and comforting him with the assurance 
of justification through the blood of Christ, 
he answered, " you may speak of that to me, 
or others in my condition, but, if you open 
that gap again, and preach that to the people, 
then farewell altogether." He often repeated 
those words — Erravi cum Petro, sed nonflevi 
cum Petro. — I have erred with Peter, but I 
have not mourned with Peter. 

The disgust of the people at the cruelties 
of popery was now manifest in parliament 
It became evident that the prime object of the 
queen was to exalt and enrich the clergy, 
even to the destruction of the nation. A sub- 
sidy having been moved, parliament at first 
refused to grant it ; and it was not until the 
queen sent them word that she declined it, 
that they voted it to her. 

Still unwavering in her course, the queen 
resigned the tenths and first fruits of spiritual 
benefices, which her father had required as 
a tax from the clergy. This met with great 
opposition in the house of commons. 

An attempt was made to sequester the 
estates of those reformers who had fled be- 



188 HISTORY OF 

yond sea; but the commons thought they 
had already consented to too severe laws 
against them, and, therefore, would add no 
more. 

Pool, being now freed from the jealousies 
of Gardiner, prosecuted his intention of re- 
forming the clergy. By warrant from the 
queen, he summoned a convocation, in which 
sundry decrees were passed. 

By these decrees, the bishops were ex- 
horted to lay aside all secular cares, and at- 
tend wholly to the pastoral office; to preach 
constantly; to be very careful in ordaining; 
and to provide, by every means possible, for 
the sound instruction of their people. They 
were exhorted, also, to be plain and frugal 
in their living, laying aside all pride and 
pomp, all rich furniture, all superfluity of 
dishes; not to be clothed in silk, nor to have 
too many servants or horses; and, moreover, 
to have the scriptures, and other good books, 
read at their tables, and to expend the surplus 
of their revenue in educating poor students, 
and other works of piety. All non-residence 
was forbidden. It was ordered, that, in every 
cathedral, there should be a seminary for sup- 
plying the diocese. 



THE REFORMATION. 189 

Fool also projected a book of homilies. 

Surely this plan of setting the clergy to re- 
form themselves was much better than en- 
couraging them to persecute heretics; for the 
people, generally, are so little disposed to at- 
tend to speculative points, that the lives of 
the clergy are calculated to have a more pow- 
erful influence upon them than the most learn- 
ed discussions. A holy example will win 
them even to a bad cause, while a dissolute 
one will alienate them from truth itself. 
Weak as was Pool in neglecting to oppose 
the persecution, through fear of the pope, he 
certainly acted wisely in this instance. Nor 
was this the only one, for he refused a propo- 
sition made by the Jesuits to establish them 
in England. They were very anxious to get 
the nation into their power, but he withstood 
them. 

In November, three were burnt at one 
stake in Canterbury; and, on the 18th De- 
cember, Philpot was burnt at Smithfield. 1 As 
he was led into the place, he kneeled down, 
and said, " I will pay my vows in thee, O 
Smithfield!" When he was brought to the 
stake, he said, " Shall I disdain to suffer at 
this stake, since my Redeemer did not refuse 



im history of 

to suffer on the cross for me?" He repeated 
the 106th, 107th, and 108th psalms, and fitted 
himself for the fire, which consumed him to 
ashes. And thus ended this year, in which 
there were sixty-seven burnt for religion, of 
whom, four were bishops, and thirteen were 
priests. 

In Germany, a diet was held at Augs- 
burgh, where the peace of the empire was 
fully settled; and it was decreed that the 
princes of the Augsburgh confession should 
enjoy the free exercise of their religion; and, 
moreover, that every prince might establish 
In his own state, what religion he pleased. 
From this privilege, however, the ecclesiasti- 
cal princes were excepted. They were to 
forfeit their benefices, if they left the papacy. 
In other principalities, not included in the 
range of these grants, as Ferdinand's heredi- 
tary dominions, &c. permission was given to 
administer the sacrament of the supper in 
both kinds. The pope was highly offended. 

In the close of this year, Charles 5th, empe- 
ror of Germany, discovering that he could not 
always command success, growing weary of 
the world, and desiring some leisure to pre- 
pare himself for eternity, voluntarily resigned 



THE REFORMATION. 191 

his dominions to his son Philip, and retired to 
a sequestered spot on the confines of Castile 
and Portugal. There, among other occupa- 
tions, he employed himself in making clocks, 
and, when he found he could not cause all 
his clocks to strike at the same moment, he 
acknowledged his folly in endeavouring to 
unite all men in the same opinion on the sub^ 
ject of religion. Ferdinand, his brother, was 
chosen emperor in his stead. 

On the 12th September, 1555, sundry com- 
missioners from the queen, together with a 
sub-delegate from the pope, went to Oxford to 
judge Cranmer. When he appeared before 
them, he made a low reverence to those who 
sat in the queen's name, but refused any ho- 
mage to the pope's delegate, inasmuch as he 
thought that would be paying respect to the 
pope. They made sundry speeches, charging 
him with heresy; after which, he kneeled down 
and said the Lord's prayer; next, he repeated 
the creed; then he told them he never would 
acknowledge the bishop of Rome's authority; 
declaring, that the bishops of Rome had made 
laws contrary to those of God — as, causing 
worship to be in an unknown tongue; denying 
the chalice to the people; pretending to dis- 



192 HISTORY OF 

pose of crowns; and exalting themselves above 
every creature; all which proved them to be 
anti-Christs, since all was contrary to the doc- 
trine of Christ. In conclusion, they cited him 
to appear before the pope within eighty days, 
to answer to the charges brought against him. 
This, he said, he was most willing to do, if the 
king and queen would allow it, but they de- 
tained him a prisoner. 

He was sent back to his confinement, where 
he lay until the 14th February, 1556, when 
Bonner and Thirleby were sent to degrade 
him. In this task Bonner delighted; and he 
performed it with much insult. Thirleby 
wept, and declared it was the most sorrowful 
action of his life, he having been formerly a 
friend of Cranmer. To Cranmer himself, it 
was no affliction. 

Now new engines were contrived against 
him. We have, heretofore, seen him, like 
David, valiant for the truth; but we are called 
to contemplate him, like David, falling; and 
to behold, in him, another instance of the in- 
firmity of poor human nature. 

Many, both English and Spanish divines, 
had been sent to confer with him, and per- 
suade him to recant. Hopes of life and pre- 






THE REFORMATION. 193 

ferment were given. At length, he was re- 
moved out of prison, to the dean's lodgings at 
Christ's church. All the arguments that could 
be invented were made use of to turn him; 
and, in conclusion, as St. Peter himself with 
curses denied his Saviour, so he, who had re- 
sisted now almost three years, was, at last, 
overcome; and human infirmity, the fears of 
death, and the hopes held forth, prevailed him 
to set his hand to a paper renouncing all the 
doctrines of the reformation, and acknowledg- 
ing all the abominations of popery. This 
paper, which was as full as his enemies de- 
sired, they giving him no rest till he had com- 
pleted it to their will, was immediately print- 
ed; and it occasioned, on the one hand, great 
insulting, and, on the other, great dejection. 
But the queen was not at all wrought upon by 
it. She now manifested, what she had before 
disowned, that her private resentments go- 
verned her in this affair; and, that the man 
who pronounced the judgment of divorce, 
must, at all hazards, be destroyed. She re- 
solved that he should be burnt. The writ for 
burning was issued the 24th February. The 
long time that elapsed, previous to the execu- 
tion, makes it not improbable that this writ 



194 HISTORY OF 

was made use of in first inducing him to re- 
cant: certain it is, that, when the second order 
was sent to Oxford, forbidding any longer de- 
lay, he was, with the death then threatening 
him if he refused, persuaded to renew in full 
his recantation. He did thus renew it; but, 
at the same time, he was jealous that his ene- 
mies intended to burn him, and he secretly 
prepared a paper containing a true confession 
of his faith, such as flowed from his con- 
science, and not from his weak fears. His 
fate being fixed, notwithstanding all pro- 
mises, he was carried to St. Marie's church, 
and placed on a platform where he might be 
conspicuous. Cole, provost of Eaton, preach- 
ed a sermon, during which was announced 
the fact that Cranmer was that day to suffer. 
At the close, he turned to Cranmer, and mag- 
nified his conversion, attributing it to the im- 
mediate hand of God. He gave him great 
hopes of Heaven, and assured him there 
should be dirges and masses said for his soul, 
in all the churches of Oxford. 

During all this, Cranmer expressed great 
inward confusion; lifting up his eyes often to 
Heaven, and then letting them fall downward, 
as one ashamed of himself Frequently he 



THE REFORMATION. 195 

poured forth floods of tears. At length, when 
Cole bid him declare his faith, he first prayed 
with many moving expressions of deep re- 
morse and inward horror; then he made his 
exhortation to the people, " not to love or set 
their hearts on the things of this world: to 
obey the king and queen out of conscience to 
God: to live in mutual love; and to relieve the 
poor according to their abundance. Then he 
came to that on which, he said, all his past life, 
and that which was to come, did hang — he 
being now to enter either into the joys of 
Heaven, or the pains of Hell. He repeated 
the apostles 5 creed, and declared his belief of 
the scriptures. Then he spake of that which 
he said troubled his conscience more than any 
thing he had done in his whole life, which was 
the subscribing a paper contrary to the truth, 
and against his conscience, out of the fear of 
death, and the love of life; and, he said, he 
was resolved, when he came to the fire, that 
that hand which had signed it, should burn 
first. He rejected the pope as Christ's enemy 
and anti-Christ, and said he had the same be- 
lief of the sacrament which he had published 
in the book he wrote about it." 

Upon this, there was a wonderful confusion 



196 HISTORY OF 

in the whole assembly. Those who hoped to 
have gained a great victory on that day, see- 
ing themselves discomfited, were in much dis- 
order. They called to him to dissemble no 
more. He said he had ever loved simplicity, 
and, before his recantation, had never dissem- 
bled in his whole life. He was going on in his 
discourse, with abundance of tears, but they 
pulled him down and led him away to the 
stake. It stood in the same place where Rid- 
ley and Latimer were burnt. All the way the 
priests upbraided him for his changing, but he 
was minding another thing. 

When he came to the stake, he first prayed, 
and then undressed himself, and, being tied to 
it, as the fire was kindling, he stretched forth 
his right hand toward the flame, never moving 
it, save that once he wiped his face, till it was 
burnt away. It was consumed before the fire 
reached his body. Here he discovered, that, 
if, like David, he sinned, like David also he 
repented. He expressed no disorder at the 
pain he endured: sometimes saying, "That 
unworthy hand;" and oft crying out, "Lord 
Jesus receive my spirit!" He was soon after 
quite burnt, except his heart, which was found 
whole among the ashes! 



THE REFORMATION. 197 

Thus, on the 21st March, 1556, died Tho- 
mas Cranmer, in the 67th year of his age. He 
was a man raised of God for great services, 
and well fitted for them. He was naturally of 
a mild and gentle temper, not soon heated, 
nor apt to give his opinion rashly of things or 
persons. Though his gentleness exposed him 
to the ill usage of his enemies, who well knew 
he would forgive them, it did hot lead him 
into such a weakness of spirit as to consent to 
every thing that was uppermost, for he stood 
firmly against the six articles in the reign of 
Henry, notwithstanding all that king's heat 
for them; he opposed the duke of Somerset 
and the duke of Northumberland, in the days 
of king Edward; and now resisted unto blood, 
giving his hand to the flame with the utmost 
resolution; so that his meekness was, as all 
true meekness is, a virtue, and not a pusillani- 
mity of temper. He was a man of great can- 
dour. He never dissembled his opinion, nor 
disowned his friend — two rare qualities in an 
age when the whole English nation appeared 
to be going backward and forward, like a wave 
of the sea, as the court directed. He stood 
by queen Anne, and Cromwell, and the duke 
*2 



198 HISTORY OF 

of Somerset, in their lowest fortunes; and 
saved Mary herself from the rage of her father. 
His diligence was wonderful. He drew out 
of all the authors that he read, every thing re- 
markable, digesting these quotations into com- 
mon places. Often did king Henry test him 
in this respect; and, whenever he applied to 
him for the opinions of the fathers and doctors 
on any particular subject, Cranmer usually 
furnished them in two or three days. He laid 
out all his wealth on the poor, and for pious 
uses. He had hospitals and surgeons in his 
house, for the king's seamen. He gave pen- 
sions to many of the reformers who fled from 
Germany to England; and kept up that which 
is hospitality indeed at his table, inviting great 
numbers of his honest and poor neighbours, 
instead of having the luxury and extravagance 
of great entertainments. He was so humble 
and affable, that he carried himself, in all con- 
ditions, in the same manner. His last fall was 
the only blemish of his life, but it was succeed- 
ed by a sincere repentance, and a patient 
martyrdom. He had been the chief promoter 
of the reformation in his life, and God so or- 
dered it, that he gave no small confirmation to 
all who had received his doctrine, by the con- 



THE REFORMATION. i99 

stancy with which he sealed that doctrine with 
his blood. 

King Henry was full of the opinion that 
Cranmer would at last die a martyr, and, 
therefore, directed him to change the arms 
of his family from cranes to pelicans; inti- 
mating thereby, that, as the pelican fed her 
young with her blood, so he would give his 
blood for the good of the church. 

The day after Cranmer's martyrdom, Pool 
was consecrated archbishop of Canterbury. 
He appears to have been too anxious for 
Cranmer's death, insomuch that the words of 
Elijah to Ahab were applied to him — " Thou 
hast killed and taken possession." 



£00 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The lame and the blind burnt — Conduct of the Reform- 
ers — Their meetings — Their faithful shepherds — The 
refugees at Frankfort — Origin of differences — The 
bodies of Bucer and Fagius burnt— Inquisition pro- 
jected—Burnings continued — Pool opposes them in 
vain — Martial law proclaimed against heretics — None 
might say, God help the martyrs — Bonner's cruelty- 
Protestants in France — Mary's death — Pool's death. 

We have almost arrived at the end of this 
career of blood, and we may begin to perceive 
a reason why Divine Providence permitted it. 
The attachment of the people of England to 
popery was of so long continuance, and so 
deeply rooted, that it was, by no means, easy 
to eradicate. The acts of Henry were so con- 
tradictory, that he left the nation much dis- 
tracted. And, though a more consistent course 
was carried on during the reign of Edward, 
and more powerful means were brought to 
operate, still, the influence of the priests con- 
tinued great j the body of the people had not 



THE REFORMATION. 201 

been well instructed; competent teachers, in 
sufficient number, could not be obtained; the 
magnificence of the Roman ceremonial was 
pleasing to the multitude: so that the reforma- 
tion was continually in danger. The reign 
of Mary was wanting to establish it. She burnt 
up all attachment to popery, in the fires that 
consumed the martyrs, and thoroughly purged 
the nation of all hankering after the tender 
mercies of Rome. — Surely the wrath of man 
shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt 
thou restrain. 

Many were burnt in the course of 1556: 
among others, a cripple and a blind man, who 
comforted each other with the hope that they 
were now to be freed from their lameness and 
blindness. Bonner seemed to think it not 
worth while to burn the heretics singly, but 
sent them in droves to the stake. 

But, all the fury of persecution did not 
extinguish the light of the reformation, nor 
abate the love of it. It rose, like a phoenix, 
ever fresh from the ashes. The martyrs were 
compared to the primitive Christians, who, 
bishops and all, suffered under the heathen 
emperors. Those who loved the gospel met 
oft together, though obliged to use great 



£Q2 HISTORY OF 

caution and secrecy. Sometimes, however, 
as many as two hundred assembled. They 
were instructed and watched over, by several 
faithful shepherds, who were willing to hazard 
their lives in feeding the flock committed to 
their charge. The chief of these were Scam- 
bler and Bentham, afterwards promoted, by 
Elizabeth, to the bishoprics of Peterborough 
and Litchfield; Foule, Berner, and Rough, a 
Scotchman, who was condemned and burnt 
by Bonner. Care, too, was taken by their 
friends beyond sea, to supply them with good 
books, for their instruction and encourage- 
ment. These friends were, the reformed, 
who, on the accession of Mary, had fled to 
France; and, not finding freedom of con- 
science there, had gone to Geneva, Zurich, 
and Anau, in Switzerland, and to Strasburgh, 
Frankfort, and Emden, in Germany. 

Among the refugees at Frankfort, unfortu- 
nate differences arose, which laid the founda- 
tions of subsequent divisions in England. 
Some, who had been in the habit of using 
the English liturgy at home, thought that, 
while they continued in foreign lands, they 
ought to use the liturgy of the country where 
they sojourned; and hence, instead of their 



THE REFORMATION. 208 

own, adopted, for the time, a liturgy similar to 
the Geneva and French forms. Others were 
of opinion, that, as those in England who 
compiled the liturgy, were confirming what 
they had done with their blood, it was a con- 
tempt of them, and of their sufferings, to de- 
part from their forms. This dissention, like 
all others, went farther than was at first in- 
tended; for, those who were merely for ex- 
changing the English for the Genevan litur- 
gy while they w r ere abroad, began, at length, 
to quarrel with some things in the English 
liturgy itself. Knox, being a man of hot tem- 
per, engaged in this dispute warmly, and pro- 
cured his friend Calvin, to write against those 
obnoxious parts. Knox himself was banish- 
ed by the senate of Frankfort, for writing in- 
decently of the emperor; whereupon he and 
his party went to Geneva. Another difficulty 
arose on the subject of discipline; some of 
the people wishing to take the punishment of 
offenders out of the hands of the ministers, 
and share it among the whole congregation. 
These things caused much scandal, and they 
prove indeed that the treasure is in earthen 
vessels, that the excellency of the power may 
be of God, and not of man. 



204 HISTORY OS 

The monastery of Westminster, and many 
other new religious houses, were founded in 
England. 

In the beginning of 1557, there was a visi- 
tation of the universities. The visiters to 
Cambridge laid the churches of St. Marie's 
and St. Michael's under an interdict, because 
the bodies of Bucer and Fagius, two heretics, 
were buried in them. This great evil it was 
determined to remove; therefore, the two 
bodies were cited to appear, or, if any would 
come in their name, they were required to 
defend them. After three citations, the dead 
bodies not rising to speak for themselves, and 
none coming to plead for them, for fear of 
being sent after them, the visiters thought fit 
to proceed. Having examined many wit- 
nesses, to prove the heresies of Bucer and 
Fagius, they judged them obstinate heretics, 
and decreed that their bodies should be taken 
out of holy ground and delivered to the secu- 
lar power. A writ being brought from Lon- 
don on the 6th February, their bodies were 
taken up, carried in coffins, and tied to stakes, 
with many of their books, and other heretical 
writings, and all were burnt together. A si- 
milar farce was played at Oxford, where the 



THE REFORMATION. 205 

body of Peter Martyr's wife was taken up, 
and buried in a dunghill. These bones, 
however, were collected in the days of Eli- 
zabeth, and mingled with the bones of a 
popish saint, that they might be secured from 
all future insult. 

Great complaints were made, that, the in- 
ferior magistrates throughout England, were 
not sufficiently active in searching for here- 
tics; nay, that many were disposed to har- 
bour them, insomuch that their number ra- 
ther increased than diminished. In conse- 
quence of this, letters were written to some of 
the towns, directing them to choose zealous 
Catholics for their mayors, but all in vain. 
New counsels, therefore, were taken. 

And now the dark features of popery be- 
gan to show themselves in still bolder relief. 
Nothing less than the inquisition appeared in 
view. This grand engine of Satan, which 
was first set up in Tholouse to extirpate the 
Albigenses, and, afterwards, introduced into 
Spain to discover the Moors, had lately been 
found a most effectual means of preserving the 
Romish faith among the Spaniards; and, in 
consequence, the pope was anxious for its 
establishment throughout Christendom. The 



£06 HISTORY OF 

question about erecting it in England, began 
to be agitated. Some openly advised it, and, 
in February, 1557, a commission was issued 
to a considerable number of persons, empow- 
ering them, or any three of them, by any 
means they thought best, to search for and 
punish all heretics. Every thing was surren- 
dered to their discretion, and they were at 
liberty to summon before them, as witnesses, 
whomsoever they chose. This was paving the 
way, if no more. 

In every direction throughout the country 
the burnings continued. Pool endeavoured to 
allay the rage of Bonner, but in vain. He 
succeeded, however, in saving twenty-two 
who were brought up from Colchester. As 
these were led through the streets of London, 
the people manifested the strongest sympa- 
thy; about a thousand following them. In the 
course of 1557, seventy-nine received the 
crown of martyrdom. 

The pope, jealous of Pool, sought to destroy 
him, but the queen interceded, and he re- 
mained legate. 

Great discontents prevailed in England on 
account of political errors. Calais having 
been taken by the French, the people com- 



THE REFORMATION. 207 

plained, that, the queen had thrown the go- 
vernment into the hands of priests, who knew 
nothing of war, and cared not for the honour 
of the nation. 

Still did the burnings continue. One man 
was put to the rack to make him discover 
who attended the private assemblies. A pro- 
clamation was issued, subjecting all to mar- 
tial law who read heretical or treasonous 
books. In Smithfield, it was proclaimed that 
none should pray for those who were about to 
be burnt, nor speak to them, nor say God 
help them. Bonner, not satisfied with burn- 
ing, scourged some with rods, till he was 
weary. Many died in bonds, and many were 
vexed with long and grievous imprisonment 
At length, the people began to hate popery 
beyond all expression. 

One man, on the fire touching him, cried 
out, " I recant," and was released from the 
stake; but he was afterwards burnt, so that 
the object appeared to be, not so much the 
conversion as the destruction of heretics. 

In France, as well as in England, the pro- 
testants had become very numerous, notwith- 
standing persecution; insomuch, that, in the 
public walks of Paris, without the suburbs of 



208 HISTORY OF 

St. Germain, they began to sing David's 
psalms in French verse. The novelty of this 
amazed many, and the devotion wrought upon 
others, so that the multitude who used to di- 
vert themselves in those fields, instead of their 
ordinary sports, did nothing, for many nights, 
but go about singing psalms. The king and 
queen of Navarre joined with them. An edict 
was published against this psalmody, but it 
still continued. 

Mary drew near her end. On the 17th 
November, 1558, in the 43d year of her age, 
she departed from time to eternity, after hav- 
ing reigned five years, four months, and eleven 
days. 

She was a woman of a morbid tempera- 
ment, and became very sour and morose. She 
understood the Latin language, and had con- 
siderable learning. She was indeed devoted 
to the papacy, and appeared to think her chief 
business in this world was to extirpate here- J 
tics. 

Sixteen hours after the queen, died cardinal 
Pool, in the 59th year of his age. He was a 
learned and good natured man, and, had his 
policy been allowed to rule, he would, un- 
doubtedly, have done much toward establish-j 



THE REFORMATION. 209 

ing popery in England; but God designed 
better things, and, therefore, he gave up the 
queen to the bloody counsels of Gardiner and 
ftie rest of the clergy. 



r2 



210 HISTORY OF 



CHAPTER XV. 

Accession of Elizabeth — Reformation resolved upon and 
begun- — Parker chosen archbishop of Canterbury — 
His great modesty — Coronation — Reformation esta- 
blished by parliament — Papists allowed the exercise 
of their religion — Popish clergy who chose to retire, 
pensioned — Parker's letters — His consecration — Fa- 
ble of the nag's head ordination — Reformation com- 
pletely settled. 

Immediately on the death of Mary, Eliza- 
beth was proclaimed queen, to the universal 
joy of the nation. On her way to London, 
she was met by the bishops. " She expressed 
to all of them sentiments of regard, except to 
Bonner, from whom she turned aside, as from 
a man polluted with blood, who was a just 
subject of horror to every heart susceptible of 
humanity." 

The reformation of religion came at once 
under consideration. The queen had been 
trained up in a hatred of popery, but she had 



THE REFORMATION. 211 

received impressions in favour of such old 
rites as her father had retained; moreover, she 
loved state and magnificence; therefore, she 
inclined to a sort of half-reformation. She 
thought Cranmer and his colleagues, in the 
days of king Edward, had disrobed religion 
of external ornaments too much, and had 
made their doctrine too narrow in some points. 
She wished a few things explained in more 
general terms, such as, Christ's presence in 
the sacrament, &c. Moreover, she was dis- 
posed to keep images in the churches.* Her 
object appeared to be to please both parties, 
and carry the whole nation with her, papists 
as well as protestants. But, blessed be God 3 
her plans did not prevail. 

The result of the consultation on the sub- 
ject was, that, the alterations intended to be 
made, should be brought about gradually, and 

* " It is probable, that, whatever favour the queen may have 
been disposed to show to images in the beginning, it was tie result 
of an acknowledged maxim of the first years of her reign, to con- 
ciliate the more moderate of the Roman Catholics. For we find 
from Strype's Annals, that some time after her discharging of 
the images, at the instance of archbishop Parker, and rjox, 
bishop of Ely, she expressed great dislike even at a common 
Prayer Book with pictures ; and said expressly to dean Nowell, 
who laid the book upon her cushion, — * You know I have an 
aversion to idolatry, to images and pictures of this kind.' " 



2& HISTORY OF 

that, in the mean time, the way should be 
paved for them as surely as possible. The 
pope and the priests were disposed to embroil 
the nation, and it was thought necessary to 
use some caution. 

Several learned men were appointed to 
meet atad consider the book of service; and, 
to encourage the people with the hope of re- 
formation, it was resolved that the communion 
should be administered in both kinds. 

As doon as Elizabeth's coming to the crown 
was known, all who had fled to foreign coun- 
tries returned, and those who had lived in 
secret corners came forth. Many, having no- 
tice of the queen's intentions, could not con- 
tain themselves, but began immediately to 
pull down images, and set up king Edward's 
service. Perceiving this, she made a more 
full discovery of her wishes, and gave order 
that the gospels and epistles, the Lord's prayer, 
the apostles' creed, the ten commandments, 
and the litany, should be used in English; and, 
at the same time, forbade the priests to elevate 
the host at mass: after which, she made pro- 
clamation against all unauthorized changes, 
and required her subjects to use no other 
forms of worship than those established in 



THE REFORMATION. £13 

her chapel, until parliament should appoint 
otherwise. 

On the 5th December, the queen perform- 
ed her sister's funeral rites with much magni- 
ficence. 

Great anxiety existed as to the choice of 
persons to fill the vacant bishoprics. Parker 
was selected for the see of Canterbury, but 
there was much difficulty in persuading him 
to accept. He was a man of an humble tem- 
per, and loved privacy. He begged that he 
might not be thought of for any public em- 
ployment, as the infirmities contracted by fly- 
ing about in the nights in queen Mary's time 
had very much disabled him. But, he had 
been chaplain to Ann Boleyn, and, at her re- 
quest, had instructed Elizabeth in the princi- 
ples of the Christian religion. The queen had 
now a grateful remembrance of his services, 
and, moreover, Bacon, the chancellor, had a 
high opinion of him; so that it was determined 
to overcome his modesty, and, after nearly a 
year's importunity, he yielded. 

On the 12th January, 1559, Elizabeth was 
crowned. As she went into her chariot, she 
lifted up her eyes to Heaven, and blessed God, 
who had preserved her to see that joyful day. 



214 HISTORY OF 

and saved her, as he did the prophet Daniel 
out of the mouth of the lions. She acknow- 
ledged that her deliverance was only from him, 
and to him she offered all the praise. She 
passed through London in great triumph; all 
the way, by her winning and cheerful address, 
delighting the people. As she went under one 
of the triumphal arches, there was a rich Bible 
let down to her, as from Heaven, by a little 
child representing Truth. With great rever- 
ence, she kissed both her hands, and, receiv- 
ing the Bible, kissed it, and laid it next her 
heart* This drew tears of joy from the eyes 
of the spectators. 

On the 25th January, parliament met. Ba- 
con opened it with a long speech. He exhort- 
ed them to consult about religion without 
heat or partiality, not to use any reproachful 
term, as papist or heretic, but, endeavour so 
to establish every thing, as that there might 
be a uniformity and a cordial agreement. 

The first bill passed was for restoring the 
tenths and first fruits to the crown. Then 
followed sundry other bills, the amount of all 

* " She also," says Collier, " promised to read it, and returned 
the city more thanks for this present, than for all the rest of great 
value she had already received," 



THE REFORMATION. 215 

which were, making the state of religion simi- 
lar to what it was in the days of king Edward, 
abolishing the power of the pope, and esta- 
blishing the English service. The queers 
supremacy was asserted, and a high commis- 
sion court established for the execution of it. 

But the popish clergy began every where 
to preach against innovation and heresy, inso- 
much that, early in March, the queen forbid 
all preaching, except by such as had license 
under the great seal. 

A public conference on the subject of re- 
ligion was, by order of the queen, held in the 
abbey church of Westminster. Nine protest- 
ants and nine papists were appointed to en- 
gage in it. A great concourse attended, and 
the conference continued for some time, until, 
at length, the papists refusing to proceed, it 
was broken up. 

Some alterations were made in the commu- 
nion service in the liturgy of king Edward, 
that it might express in more general terms 
the manner of Christ's presence in the sacra- 
ment. 

The popish bishops, refusing to take the 
oath of supremacy, were imprisoned for a 
short time, but soon released, except Bonner, 



£16 HISTORY OF 

White, and Watson. Charges were preferred 
against all three of them, and those charges 
Elizabeth promised to attend to as soon as 
they should be substantiated. She appeared' 
anxious to gain a little time, that the edge 
might be taken off men's spirits; for she was 
not disposed to proceed severely against any, 
being naturally merciful, and, moreover, 
taught by the gospel not to render evil for 
evil. 

All the leading papists were allowed to go 
where they pleased, and those who chose to 
remain in England, were permitted to enjoy 
the free exercise of their religion. Most of 
the monks returned to a secular course of life, 
but the nuns went beyond sea. 

Elizabeth continuing anxious to have 
images in the churches, all the reformed 
bishops and divines opposed it vehemently. 
At length, she yielded to their wish, and, in 
the injunctions sent forth, gave orders that 
they should be taken down. 

By these injunctions, the common prayer 
book and litany were directed to be used in 
all churches on Wednesdays and Fridays. 
Slanderous words, as papist, heretic, schisma- 
tic, or sacramentary, were forbidden under 



THE REFORMATION. 21* 

severe pains. All were directed to kneel 
during prayer, and to show reverence at the 
name of Jesus. As to the queen's suprema- 
cy, it was declared, that, she did not pretend 
to any authority for the ministering of divine 
service in the church, but, only to such a so- 
vereignty or rule over all manner of persons, 
under God, as precluded the authority of 
every foreign power. 

Bowing at the name of Jesus was deemed 
a suitable expression of reverence, manifest- 
ing an acknowledgment of him as the Sa- 
viour, and an owning his Divinity. 

Commissions were issued for visiting all 
the churches in England, in order to establish 
the new book of service, and, in general, to 
; carry into effect the newly adopted regulations. 
It was directed, that, pensions should be re- 
served for such clergymen as would not con- 
tinue in their benefices, but left them by re- 
signation. Those found in prison on account 
of their religion were to be discharged, and, 
all such as had been unlawfully turned out in 
the late reign were to be restored to their 
cures. Unworthy clergymen were to be de- 
prived, and others put in their places, and 
such as were obstinate were to be tried. 
s 



£18 HISTORY OF 

When the visiters made their report to the 
queen, it was found that, out of nine thousand 
four hundred beneficed men in England, only 
fourteen bishops and one hundred and seven- 
ty-five others, resigned their livings on ac- 
count of their religion. 

Mention was made of the unwillingness of 
Parker to accept the see of Canterbury. His 
letters and his conduct breathe such a primi- 
tive spirit, that they deserve a more particular 
account. Addressing the chancellor on the 
subject, he wrote thus: " It is necessary to fill 
that see with a man that is neither arrogant, 
faint-hearted, nor covetous. An arrogant 
man would, perhaps, divide from his brethren 
in doctrine, whereas, the whole strength of the 
church depends on our unity: but if there 
should be heart-burnings among us, and the 
private quarrels that have been beyond sea, 
should be brought home, the peace of the 
church will be lost, and the success of all our 
designs will be blasted: and if a faint-hearted 
man be put in, it will raise the spirits of all 
our adversaries. A covetous man is good for 
nothing. I know my own unfitness, both of 
mind and body, so well, that, though I should 
be sorry to offend you and secretary Cecil, 






THE REFORMATION. 219 

whom I honour above all men in the world, 
and more sorry to displease the queen, yet I 
must above all things, avoid God's indigna- 
tion, and not enter into a station in which I 
know I cannot carry myself so as to answer 
it either to God or the world, for my admi- 
nistration. And if I must go to prison for 
my obstinate untowardness, [with which, it 
seems, they had threatened him,] I will suffer 
it rather with a quiet conscience, than accept 
of an employment which I cannot discharge." 
" I know I cannot answer your expectation, 
which makes me so importunate not to be 
raised so high. I have great apprehensions 
of differences like to fall out among ourselves, 
which will be a pleasant diversion to those of 
the church of Rome. I see some men are 
men still, even after all their teaching in the 
school of affliction." 

At length, however, being pressed beyond 
measure, he wrote to the queen, " protesting 
that extreme necessity forced him to trouble 
her, both out of conscience to God, and re- 
gard to her service: he knew his great un- 
worthiness for so high a function; therefore, 
as on his knees, he humbly besought her to 
discharge him of that office, which did re- 



220 HISTORY OF 

quire a man of more learning, virtue, and 
experience, than he perfectly knew was in 
himself. He lamented his being so meanly 
qualified that he could not serve her in 
that high station; but in any other inferior 
office he should be ready to discharge his 
duty to her in such a place as was suitable to 
his infirmities." But, in the conclusion, he 
submitted himself to her pleasure; and, at 
last, with great difficulty, he was prevailed 
upon to accept. 

On the 17th December, 1559, he was con- 
secrated in the chapel at Lambeth, by four 
bishops, viz. Barlow, Scory, Coverdale, and 
Hodgkins; according to the book of ordina- 
tion made in the reign of king Edward. 

Having been thus consecrated himself, Par- 
ker afterwards consecrated bishops for the 
vacant sees, and, among the rest, Jewel, bi- 
shop of Salisbury, the great ornament of his 
age for learning and piety. 

About forty years after this, a foolish story 
was set afloat, that Parker was not truly con- 
secrated, and a miserable fable created by 
one Neale, who had been chaplain to Bonner, 
about what was called the nag's head ordina- 
tion. This notion was not thought of during 



THE REFORMATION. 221 

the reign of Elizabeth, or the enemies of the 
reformation would undoubtedly have spread 
it abroad. But it pleased God that, when the 
story was invented, there was one witness 
living able to contradict it, viz. the earl of 
Nottingham, who saw the consecration. Nor 
was this all, for the registers of the see of 
Canterbury, and the records of the crown, 
being examined into, fully set the question at 
rest, and declared the validity of the consecra- 
tion. Moreover, the original instrument of 
archbishop Parker's consecration, still lies 
among his other papers in the library of Cor- 
pus Christi college at Cambridge. The ob- 
ject in forging this tale, undoubtedly was to 
assault the validity of ordinations in the 
church of England, by endeavouring to show 
that the chain of descent from the days of the 
apostles had been broken, but, like slanders 
in general, it ended in nothing but the confu- 
sion of its authors. 

Thus were the sees filled, the worship re- 
formed, and the queen's injunctions sent over 
England. Three things remained to be done, 
viz. setting forth the doctrine of the church, 
translating the Bible and publishing it with 
s2 



222 HISTORY OF 

short notes, and regulating the ecclesiastical 
courts. About these the bishops set to work. 

The articles proposed were the same with 
those of the days of king Edward, except 
some slight alterations, especially leaving the 
doctrine of the real presence untouched. The 
bishops prepared a confutation of it, but the 
queen and the council appear to have dashed 
it out. The translation of the Bible was com- 
mitted to sundry bishops and others, a portion 
being assigned to each. The first impression 
of it is supposed to have been published in 
1561. As for the canons and rules of church 
government, they were not soon prepared. 
Some came out in the year 1571, and more 
in 1597. "But this part of the reformation 
is not yet finished, for penitentiary canons 
have not been set up, and the government of 
the church is not yet brought into the hands 
of churchmen/ 5 

And thus was the light of truth made to 
shine once more over England. 

Unfortunately, the heats that had been 
engendered beyond sea, during the reign of 
Mary, caused, at length, some divisions at 
home. A few sparks had been kindled in 



THE REFORMATION. 223 

king Edward's reign, about clergymen's ha- 
bits; but these were buried in the ashes of 
Hooper and Ridley. However, they broke 
forth again, and manifested themselves in ob- 
jections against the vestments of the inferior 
clergy, and, at length, against bishops. These 
differences were craftily managed by some, 
who were anxious to improve them to obtain- 
ing a division of the church lands, and, for 
the sins of the nation, they were allowed to 
continue. 



THE LIFE OF LUTHER. 



Martin Luther, was born at Isleben, in 
Upper Saxony, on the 10th November, 1483. 
His father, a respectable man, originally a 
miner, but afterward a magistrate, gave him a 
liberal education, with a view to his entering 
upon the practice of the civil law. Wrought 
upon, however, by means of one of his inti- 
mate friends being killed at his side, and 
himself struck to the earth, by lightning, he 
suddenly formed the resolution of retiring 
from the world; and, in 1505, he entered a 
convent of Augustine friars. Here he met, 
for the first in his life, with a Latin Bible, 
which poured a flood of light upon his mind. 
He arrived, especially, at a knowledge of jus- 
tification by faith; a doctrine almost buried in 



226 SKETCH OF THE 

the rubbish of Roman observances. In 1507, 
he was ordained priest; and, in 1508, having 
acquired a great reputation for learning and 
piety, he became professor in the university 
of Wittemburgh, recently founded by the elec- 
tor Frederick of Saxony. In 1510, he was 
sent to Rome on business of his order. While 
there, he was filled with horror at the levity 
of that venal court. On his return, he was 
created doctor of divinity, at the expense of 
Frederick, who had become much attached 
to him. His progress in learning continued 
great. His progress in evangelical knowledge 
kept pace with it. In 1516, he wrote thus to 
a friend: "I desire to know what your soul is 
doing; whether, wearied, at length, of its own 
righteousness, it learns to refresh itself, and 
to rest in the righteousness of Christ." His 
lectures on theology, in which, contrary to the 
usual practice, he expounded several of the 
sacred books, increased his knowledge of the 
truth, as well as prepared the minds of others 
for its reception. 

In 1517, John Tetzel, a Dominican friar, 
came to the neighbourhood of Wittemburgh 
to proclaim indulgences. These were granted 
by pope Leo 10th, and extended to all man- 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 227" 

ner of sins. Every one who would pay a cer- 
tain sum of money was granted absolution for 
himself, and deliverance from purgatory for 
the souls of his friends. The style of these 
indulgences ran thus — " I, by the authority of 
Jesus Christ, through the merits of his most 
holy passion, and by the authority of his bless- 
ed apostles, Peter and Paul, and of our most 
holy pope, delegated to me as commissioner, 
do absolve thee; first, from all ecclesiastical 
censures, however incurred: secondly, from 
all sins committed by thee, however enormous; 
for so far the keys of the sacred church ex- 
tend; and I do this, by remitting to thee all 
the punishments due to thee in purgatory on 
account of thy crimes; and I restore thee to 
the innocence and purity in which thou wast 
when baptized, so that the gates of punish- 
ment may be shut to thee when dying, and 
the gates of Paradise be opened." In the dis- 
charge of his commission, Tetzel was ex- 
tremely unblushing, boasting that he had saved 
more souls from Hell by his indulgences, than 
St. Peter had converted to Christianity by his 
preaching, saying — " The moment the money 
tinkles in the chest, your father's soul mounts 
up out of purgatory." And, such was their 



228 SKETCH OF THE 

blind submission to Rome, the people believed 
him. Luther, though profound in his respect 
for the pope, was shocked at this blasphemy. 
Seeing the multitudes crowding to procure 
indulgences, he preached against them. He 
also wrote to Albert, archbishop of Magde- 
burgh, who, by authority of the pope, had em- 
ployed Tetzel; and he affixed a thesis, con- 
taining ninety-five propositions, to the church 
of Wittemburgh, in which he challenged the 
friends of this unholy traffic to come forward 
and defend it. No opponent appeared; but 
his thesis was spread throughout Germany, 
and read with the greatest avidity. All were 
astonished at the intrepidity of a Saxon monk 
in questioning the infallibility of his holiness, 
and opposing the Dominicans, who were arm- 
ed with the terrors of the inquisition. 

Though Tetzel did not meet Luther in dis- 
putation, he anathematized him as a damnable 
heretic, burnt his thesis with marks of igno- 
miny, and published one hundred propositions 
in favour of indulgences. In these he main- 
tained, " The man who buys off his own sins 
by indulgences, merits more than he who 
gives alms to the poor, unless it be in extreme 
necessity." "The ministers of the church 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 2£9 

do not barely declare men's sins forgiven, but 
do really pardon them by virtue of the sacra- 
ments, and by the power of the keys." 

Luther, having no idea of contending against 
the pope, but merely designing to question the 
propriety of indulgences, submitted his thesis 
to several persons high in ecclesiastical office 
for correction, and himself for advice; but he 
found no man like minded. 

He continued to write and to preach, and 
many rallied around him. Priderias of Rome, 
and Eckius of Ingolstadt, assaulted him with 
great violence, but he answered them. At 
the same time, he wrote to his diocesan, say- 
ing he did not determine, but dispute, accord- 
ing to the liberty allowed to scholars. He also 
desired Staupitius, his vicar-general, to trans- 
mit his "trifling writings" to the pope, that 
they might speak for him, and show he was 
not assaulting his holiness. " Not (says he) 
that I would involve you in my dangers. I de- 
sire alone to stand the shock of the contest. 
Let Christ see to it whether the cause be mine 
or his. To the kind admonitions of my friends, 
who would warn me of danger, my answer is, 
the poor man has no fears; I protest, that pro- 
perty, reputation, and honours, shall all be of 

T 



230 SKETCH OF THE 

no estimation with me, compared with the de- 
fence of truth. I have only a frail body to 
lose, and that weighed down with constant 
fatigue. If, in obedience to God, I lose it 
through violence or fraud, what is the loss of 
a few hours of life? Sufficient for me is 

THE LOVELY REDEEMER AND ADVOCATE, MY 

Lord Jesus Christ, to whose praise I 

WILL SING AS LONG AS I LIVE." 

" Every true Christian," said Luther, "may 
become partaker of the grace of Christ, with- 
out pontifical indulgences. A Christian may 
glory that in Christ he has all things; that all 
the righteousness and merits of Christ are his 
own, by virtue of that spiritual union with 
him, which he has by faith: on the other hand, 
that all his sins are no longer his, but that 
Christ, through the same union, bears the 
burden of them." 

For a long time pope Leo could not be per- 
suaded to pay any attention to Luther. "Bro- 
ther Martin," said he, "is a man of a very 
fine genius, and these squabbles are the mere 
effusions of monastic envy." At length, how- 
ever, he became alarmed; for, from all quar- 
ters, complaints of the spreading heresy rang 
in his ears. " The craft is in danger! The 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 231 

craft is in danger!'" echoed in every direction. 
He cited Luther to appear at Rome within 
sixty days. Luther sent this citation to the 
elector Frederick, praying him to interpose 
and procure the translation of the trial to 
Germany. Leo consented, and deputed his 
legate Cajetan, then at Augsburgh, to take 
cognizance of it; at the same time, directing 
him to publish against Luther and his adher- 
ents all the anathemas of the church, if he 
refused to recant. 

Luther repaired to Augsburgh, being de- 
fended by the safe conduct of the emperor, 
procured for him by his protector Frederick, 
At the first interview he prostrated himself 
before the cardinal, and was courteously re- 
ceived. He was required to abjure his errors, 
and avoid disturbing the peace of the church. 
His chief crime was stated to be opposing in- 
dulgences. Cajetan wielded against him the 
bull of pope Clement 6th, which said, " One 
drop of Christ's blood being sufficient to re- 
deem the whole human race, the remaining 
quantity that was shed in the garden and upon 
the cross, was left as a legacy to the church, 
to be a treasure from whence indulgences 
were to be drawn, and administered by the 



£33 SKETCH OF THE 

Roman pontiffs." This weapon Luther met 
with the sword of scripture. Finding him 
firm, Cajetan became violent. At length, 
Luther, understanding the legate intended 
seizing and carrying him to Rome, notwith- 
standing the safe conduct of the emperor, 
escaped from Augsburgh; not, however, until 
he had exhausted all attempts at argument, 
and appealed from the legate to the pope, 
and even from the pope himself " ill-informed, 
to the same most holy Leo 10th better in- 
formed." 

Leo answered this appeal by publishing a 
bull, confirming still more entirely the doc- 
trine of indulgences. Luther repaired to 
Wittemburgh, where he remained under the 
protection of Frederick, discharging his du- 
ties in the university, and preaching as usual. 

Rome, finding its thunders ineffectual, had 
recourse next to negotiation. Charles Mil- 
titz, a Saxon knight, was sent as nuncio. He 
presented to Frederick the golden consecrated 
rose, a peculiar mark of the pope's favour, in 
high estimation. The elector had formerly 
desired this bauble, but he now received it 
with great indifference. The nuncio had also 
several interviews with Luther, the result of 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 233 

which was, that the reformer should write a 
submissive letter to the pope. To this Luther 
consented; because, arriving at the know- 
ledge of the truth only by degrees, he was 
not yet convinced that the pope was a mere 
usurper. 

Eckius, proud of his ability, challenged 
Carolstadt, an adherent of Luther, to a pub- 
lic disputation at Leipsic, and, eventually, 
summoned to the lists the reformer himself. 
Eckius affirmed, as one proposition, " That 
the pontiffs are vicars of Christ, and succes- 
sors of St. Peter/' Upon this subject Luther 
had no wish to contend, but, as it was intro- 
duced by his adversary, he was led to examine 
it, and the result was, that he began to doubt 
the foundation of the papacy. He maintain- 
ed in dispute, that, the pope held not his 
power by Divine, but by human right. Writ- 
ing to a friend at this time, he stated the im- 
pression he was beginning to receive, that 
the pope was the anti-Christ mentioned in 
scripture, an impression which afterwards 
ripened to complete conviction. In his con- 
ference with Eckius, Luther gained great 
honour for his abundant learning and strong 
powers of intellect 

t2 



234 SKETCH OF THE 

From Leipsic he returned to his darling 
employ of instructing youth in divinity, and 
preaching the gospel. He lamented that he 
was obliged to spend so many hours in what 
he called " frivolous discussions about indul- 
gences and pontifical authority/' Little did 
he think how important would be their con- 
sequences. His publications were circulated 
more and more, and read with avidity by all 
ranks of men. Eckius and others answered 
the heretic, as they called him, with great 
heat, but he replied. His own temper was 
extremely choleric, but he had much tender- 
ness of conscience, and a sincere desire to 
know the truth. 

In the close of the year 1519, Luther be- 
gan to preach and to publish concerning the 
propriety of administering the sacrament in 
both kinds. This increased the fury of his 
adversaries. The elector's court, as they had 
repeatedly done before, exhorted him to mo- 
deration. His reply was — " Let us in faith 
and prayer commit the event to God, and we 
shall be safe. For what can our adversaries 
do? Will they murder us? They cannot do 
that twice. Will they asperse us as heretics? 
Was not Christ treated as a malefactor?" 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 235 

It is extremely interesting to contemplate 
this great reformer, contending, single-hand- 
ed, against the whole empire of Rome, en- 
trenched as he was amid her ten thousand 
doctors: and armed as she was with all the 
fury of the temporal power: at the same mo- 
ment, breasting the whole volley of the Vati- 
can, resolving the doubts of a timid multitude, 
who had been nursed at the bosom of super- 
stition, and gaining for himself new degrees 
of necessary knowledge. It is the Lord's 
doing, and marvellous in our eyes. 

In his letter to Leo, written in 1520, Lu- 
ther compared the court of Rome to a den of 
thieves, but expressed great respect for his 
holiness, and exhorted him to separate him- 
self from the corruptions with which he was 
surrounded. 

Still continuing to write, Luther published 
a treatise on Christian liberty, and another 
on the necessity of a reformation in the 
church. In this he declared the pope fallible, 
and exhorted the people to make a stand 
against his encroachments. He also publish- 
ed a work concerning the Babylonish capti- 
vity. He styled the papacy the kingdom of 
Babylon. His doctrines became more and 



236 SKETCH OF THE 

more popular. The number of students at 
Wittemburgh increased. Multitudes flocked 
to hear him preach. The word of the Lord 
had free course, and was glorified. 

At length, on the 15th June, 1520, the 
pope issued a bull of excommunication against 
Luther, commanding all persons to seize and 
deliver him to the secular power, and order- 
ing his writings to be burnt. Luther appealed 
from this to a general council;- and, moreover, 
he publicly burnt the bull, together with the 
volumes of decretals and canon law, thus de- 
claring that he was no longer subject to pon- 
tifical jurisdiction. He also published a work, 
showing, by extracts from those volumes, that 
the pope was anti-Christ. 

The elector condemned the severe proceed- 
ings of the pope, and the emperor, Charles 
5th, to whom Luther had previously written 
for protection, deferred the consideration of 
the whole matter to the diet to be assembled at 
Worms, in 1521. 

Improving the interval previous to the meet- 
ing of the diet, Luther published continually, 
treatise after treatise, as, expositions of the 
Lord's prayer, the ten commandments, the 
epistles and gospels, &c. He drew largely 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 23/ 

from the word of God, deeming that the most 
legitimate weapon with which to combat error. 
Germany became illuminated by the portions 
of scripture scattered in his writings. " It was 
like letting in light upon moles and bats/' for 
the Bible had been for centuries locked up 
from the majority. 

Previous to the meeting of the diet, much 
intrigue was used by the emissaries of the 
pope against Luther, but, at length, the em- 
peror granted him a safe conduct. He re- 
paired to Worms against the solicitations of 
many of his friends, saying, " Christ lives, and 
I will enter Worms, though all the gates of 
Hell and all the powers of darkness oppose." 
On his arrival he was greeted with the respect 
and admiration of multitudes. As he stepped 
from his open vehicle, he exclaimed, in the 
presence of a prodigious concourse, " God 
will be on my side." Immense crowds flock- 
ed to see him, and his apartments were con- 
stantly filled with visiters of the highest rank. 
He was regarded as a prodigy of wisdom, born 
to enlighten mankind. Summoned before the 
diet, he defended himself with great readi- 
ness, animation, and firmness, but with all 



£38 SKETCH OF THE 

r due respect. He refused to recant any thing 
except the violent manner into which his 
warm temper had sometimes transported him. 
The assembly was divided. Charles sent in a 
premature sentence., but the princes continued 
their consultation. In the mean time, the 
greatest exertion was made, by many of the 
chief, to induce Luther to change his opi- 
nions, but he continued inflexible. The diet 
exhorted him to submit his writings to the 
judgment of the emperor and princes, but he 
contended for the word of God as sole umpire. 
Further attempts were made upon him in pri- 
vate, but all was in vain. At length, the em- 
peror commanded him to leave Worms, allow- 
ing him twenty-one days to return home, but 
forbidding him to preach by the way. " This 
is the Lord's will," said Luther, " and blessed 
be the name of the Lord." 

Seeing a bloody deed meditated, the elector 
caused Luther to be intercepted on his return 
home, by a party of horsemen, and conveyed 
to the castle of Warburgh, as a place of secu- 
rity. 

At the close of the diet, the friends of the 
reformation having, by manoeuvre, been in- 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 239 

duced to leave Worms, and the most bigoted 
papists to remain, an edict was published con- 
demning Luther in the most violent terms. 

But edicts and bulls were alike ineffectual. 
The doctrines of Luther spread; his writings 
were translated into various languages, and 
lovers of the truth multiplied in every direc- 
tion. In the mean time the reformer conti- 
nued to write in his castle. He sent forth se- 
veral works, as, one on the abuse of private 
confessions; another in favour of the marriage 
of the clergy, and several others. He also 
translated the New Testament, and improved 
his knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew lan- 
guages, for the purpose of rendering his whole 
version of the Bible complete. 

Hearing of disorders at Wittemburgh, as 
also of sundry enthusiastic notions in various 
parts of Germany, and discovering that, while, 
on the one hand, the followers of the truth 
were persecuted, on the other, the elector was 
acting an over-cautious part, Luther could no 
longer be persuaded to remain at Warburgh. 
He left his concealment in March, 1522, de- 
termined to hazard the consequences. 

The best effects flowed from his return; 
order was restored, the enthusiasts were si- 



240 SKETCH OF THE 

lenced, and the reformation progressed. In 
1522, Luther published his version of the 
New Testament. His version of the Old 
Testament followed a few years after. 

Pope Adrian 6th, who succeeded Leo, ad- 
dressed the diet at Nuremburgh, repeating 
the condemnation of Luther, but, at the same 
time, acknowledging the corruptions of the 
Romish church in point of morals. The diet 
answered by entreating him to promote a re- 
formation among the clergy, and to call a ge- 
neral council. Moreover, they drew up and 
sent to the pope, the Centum Gravamina, or 
list of one hundred grievances, under which 
the empire groaned. 

The persecution of the Lutherans conti- 
nued, and fearful storms gathered around both 
Frederick and the reformer, but they were 
dispersed. 

Sweden and Denmark, instructed by disci- 
ples of Luther, received the truth. Gustavus 
Vasa protected the work in Sweden, trans- 
lating and purifying the liturgy, and establish- 
ing reformed bishops. 

It was a source of great sorrow to Luther 
that the bishops generally were, with the rest 
of the clergy, so corrupt. He held up to their 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 241 

view the character of a bishop spoken of by 
Paul, and exhorted them to imitate it. He 
was particularly fond of John Thurzo, bishop 
of Breslaw, " of all the bishops of this age the 
best;'' saying, moreover, " it is a lamentable 
truth, that there are now actually few such 
bishops, and, also, that there never existed a 
greater need of them. 7 ' 

Persecution raged with great ferocity in 
Hungary, Flanders, and several other places. 
Two were burnt at Brussels. They died 
singing in alternate response, Te Deum Lau- 
damus. 

A second attempt was made by the pope in 
1523, to induce the diet of Nuremburgh to 
execute the edict of Worms, but in vain. 
Promises were given to enforce it as far as 
possible, and the deputies reiterated their 
complaint of grievances, and their request for 
the calling a council, and they appointed an 
assembly to be held at Spires, for the pur- 
pose of making temporary regulation of the 
matters in dispute, until a council should de- 
cide. 

Campeggio, the then legate, in order to se- 
cure a confederation of the friends of the pope, 
u 



£42 SKETCH OF THE 

procured a meeting of a number of princes and 
prelates at Ratisbon, in July, 1524. These 
bound themselves to execute rigorously the 
edict of Worms. In consequence of this, a 
much larger body of imperial deputies assem- 
bled at Spires, and declared themselves friend- 
ly to the Lutherans. 

Luther thought not of his personal safety. 
He entrusted himself to God. But he rejoiced 
to see the progress of the truth. The land- 
grave of Hesse, and the marquis of Branden- 
burgh, avowed themselves reformers; and 
Prussia, under the labours of the bishop of 
Samland and others, became entirely severed 
from Rome. Luther wrote to the bishop, and 
dedicated to him, as a dignified ecclesiastic, 
his commentary on the book of Deuteronomy. 

In 1524, began a controversy among the 
reformers on the manner of Christ* s presence 
in the eucharist. In the same year occurred 
the war of the peasants, which resulted from 
many fanatical persons, and, especially, one 
Thomas Munzer, exciting the people against 
their magistrates. These caused Luther 
much trouble. 

In May, 1525, died Frederick, elector of 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 243 

Saxony, the faithful friend and defender of 
Luther. He was succeeded by his brother 
John. About the same time Luther was mar- 
ried to Catherine Bore, formerly a nun. 

Having been previously attacked by king 
Henry VIII. and the university of Paris, both 
of whom he had answered, the reformer was, 
at length, called to contend with the learned 
Erasmus. This restorer of literature had 
long endeavoured to keep friends, as well 
with the papacy, as with its opposers; but, 
being earnestly persuaded by many great men 
— a class of persons for whom he had a pro- 
found veneration — he finally published a book 
against Luther. His subject was the free- 
dom of the will. Luther answered by a volume 
on the bondage of the will. Erasmus became 
exasperated, and complained to the elector. 
He abused Luther in successive publications. 
The reformer himself was by no means deli- 
cate in his mode of treating his adversary. 

In his answer to Henry VIII. he had writ- 
ten with needless acrimony, insomuch that that 
monarch was much incensed against him. 
Being persuaded that good might result from 
it, he wrote the king a conciliatory letter, ac- 



244 SKETCH OF THE 

knowledging his former heat, and exhorting 
his majesty to become the patron of pure reli- 
gion. He wrote also to George, duke of 
Saxony, endeavouring to appease his wrath, 
which was incessantly persecuting the Luther- 
ans. But neither of these letters produced 
any benefit. Henry and George both replied 
to him with virulence, insomuch that he re- 
solved to have no more to do with supplicating 
letters. He laid down the following princi- 
ples for the regulation of his future conduct, 
viz. "1. In all matters where the ministry of 
the word of God was not concerned, he would 
not only submit to his superiors, but was 
ready to beg pardon even of children. As a 
private man, he merited nothing but eternal 
destruction at the divine tribunal. But, 2dly, 
in regard to the ministry, for which he consi- 
dered himself as having a commission from 
Heaven, there was so much dignity in it, that 
no man, especially a tyrant, should ever find 
him give way, submit, or flatter. Lastly, he 
besought his Heavenly Father to enable him to 
keep his resolution." His profession was to 
teach the word of God; and, as no man ought 
to impose silence in that respect, so there was 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 245 

a necessity that the word should continually 
be sounded in men's ears. It was useful for 
support, for consolation, for rebuke, and for 
the pulling down of strong holds. * In spite 
of kings and princes, in spite of the whole 
world and of Satan himself, I will never, with 
God's help, desert my station." He declared 
that he did not depend on human means. 
Christ was his shield, and the rock of his de- 
fence, in storms and tempests of every sort. 
It was much the same thing to him who de- 
serted, or who stood firm to the cause. 
" Therefore, if any one disliked the business 
in which he was embarked, let him," said he, 
" tack about and run away. Whatever hap- 
pened, he should constantly endeavour to 
make the best of the existing circumstances." 
" Who," he asked, " supported him in the be- 
ginning of this struggle, when he stood alone? 
And now he desired no one to take part with 
him, unless he did so voluntarily." 

John, the new elector of Saxony, was dif- 
ferent in character from his predecessor, Fre- 
derick; for, whereas Frederick, even while 
he defended Luther, endeavoured to retain the 
friendship of the papacy, and rather strove to 
v2 



246 SKETCH OF THE 

bring about a reconciliation of differences, than 
to promote a thorough reformation ; John re- 
solved to adopt all the doctrines and plans of 
Luther as his own, and became, to all intents 
and purposes, a complete reformer, so that, in 
the year 1525, the reformation was establish- 
ed in his dominions. In the same year it 
was established in many considerable towns 
throughout Germany. 

Among other useful works circulated by 
Luther, he published a small volume of hymns, 
containing the substance of Christian doc- 
trine, in the German language, with appro- 
priate tunes annexed. This volume had great 
effect. 

An attempt was made to poison Luther by 
means of a Polish Jew, but it failed. 

The controversy concerning the manner 
of Christ's presence in the eucharist, again 
agitated the reformers. Luther believed in 
consubstantiation.* In this he was opposed 
by Zuingle and the Swiss divines, and many, 
alas! too many, angry pamphlets passed. 

The emperor, Charles 5th, together with 

* See No. in. of the Appendix. 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 247 

the papists, breathing out much threatening 
against the Lutherans, and making many 
preparations that savoured of an assault, the 
elector of Saxony, with the landgrave of 
Hesse, and several others, entered into a 
league for their common defence. Luther 
steadily opposed offensive war, and advocated 
nothing but a defence against the popish 
princes. But the diet of Spires, which was 
much suspected, passed off without any steps 
being taken against the Lutherans, and an 
interval of quiet again returned. This inter- 
val Luther improved, as usual, by promoting 
the holy cause. 

In 1527, took place a visitation of the elec- 
torate of Saxony. Sundry directions for the 
government of the church were published by 
Melancthon. In a preface to these, Luther 
showed the great use of ecclesiastical visita- 
tions, and censured the neglect of the bishops 
of those times. One of the directions defined 
the duty of a superintendant, an officer in- 
tended to act the part of bishop. He was 
directed to inspect the conduct of the clergy 
in his diocese, to examine candidates for holy 
orders, and to admonish defaulters. 



248 SKETCH OF THE 

In 1528, the elector of Saxony and the 
landgrave of Hesse made preparations to at- 
tack their popish adversaries, but Luther per- 
suaded them to continue at peace, and wait 
for an attack. 

On the delicate subject of predestination, 
Luther always displayed great moderation. 
Content with what scripture had revealed, 
he never undertook to explain it with any 
thing like systematic precision. To a clergy- 
man who applied to him for advice concern- 
ing it, he wrote thus: 

"Many have perished in the indulgence of 
such curious inquiries; it is a temptation 
which leads even to blasphemy. I, myself, 
by giving way to it, have more than once been 
reduced to the last extremity. We, poor mor- 
tals, by faith can scarcely comprehend a few 
rays of the Divine promise, or receive in prac- 
tice a few sparks of the Divine precepts; and 
yet, feeble and impure as we are, we rashly 
attempt to fathom the majesty of God in all 
its brightness. Do we not know that his ways 
are past finding out? Instead of using well 
the mild light of the promises which is adapt- 
ed to our faculties, we rush with eyes of moles, 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 249 

to view at once the majestic splendour of the 
Deity. What wonder then if his glory should 
overwhelm us in the attempt to investigate it! 
We ought to know that there is such a thing as 
the secret will of God: but the danger is when 
we attempt to comprehend it. I am wont to 
check myself with that answer of Christ to 
Peter, who had asked what was to become 
of John; — " What is that to thee? follow 
thou me." But suppose we could give an ac- 
curate account of the judgments of Almighty 
God in his secret determinations: what ad- 
vantage would accrue to us from such know- 
ledge, beyond what lies open to us from the 
promises and the precepts — from the former 
addressed to our faith — from the latter to our 
practice? Tell your friend, if he would have 
peace of mind, to abstain from such intricate 
speculations. The subject is incomprehensi- 
ble, and the study of it may drive him to de- 
spair and blasphemy. Let him not give way 
to Satan, who would weary him out, by pre- 
senting impossibilities to his mind. Let him 
exercise faith in the promises, and obey the 
commandments; and when he has discharged 
those duties well, he will be able to judge 



250 SKETCH OF THE 

whether he will have any time left for impos- 
sibilities. There is no other remedy than to 
neglect, and not give way to such thoughts; 
though this is a difficult task, because Satan 
suggests the absolute necessity of attending to 
them. This battle, however, must be fought; 
and many persons fail in the contest by not 
suspecting their thoughts to be the temptations 
of Satan; whereas, these are the very fiery 
darts of that wicked one. He himself fell 
from Heaven by aiming at a knowledge above 
his station. Thus also he vanquished Adam, 
by teaching him to be dissatisfied with his 
ignorance concerning the will of God. Flight 
is the true wisdom here; there is no room for 
Christ to dwell in the heart, as long as reason- 
ings of this kind are uppermost." In another 
letter, while he admits the preordination and 
foreknowledge of God, nevertheless, from 
Ezek. xviii. 23, " Have I any pleasure at all 
that the wicked should die, saith the Lord 
God," he argues, that God chose, and seriously 
decreed from eternity, the possibility of the 
salvation and everlasting happiness of all men. 
And hence he concludes, that the general pro- 
mises of a gracious God ought by no means 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 251 

to be limited; nor those suggestions of Satan 
to be indulged, which would separate us from 
the Divine mercy, which is represented in 
scripture as infinite. He then refers the 
afflicted penitent to the voice of God himself, 
"This is my beloved Son, hear him;" and to 
the words of Christ, proclaiming in the streets, 
" Come unto me, all ye that labour." He 
invites all, even the very worst, as publicans 
and harlots. Why should we perplex our- 
selves with difficult and circuitous roads, when 
the direct road is so clearly pointed out to us 
in the gospel" 

A conference on the subject of consub- 
stantiation took place between Luther and 
Zuingle at Marpurg. The violent temper of 
Luther on this occasion gave much grief to 
his friends. However, sundry articles of con- 
cord were agreed upon. 

In 1529, a new diet met at Spires, which 
published a decree of intolerance against the 
Lutherans. Against this decree, fourteen im- 
perial cities, with the elector of Saxony, and 
sundry other princes, solemnly protested. 
Hence arose the term protestant applied to 
the reformers. Charles 5th was so enraged 



252 SKETCH OF THE 

at this protest, that the authors of it thought 
fit to draw nearer their bonds of concord; and 
they formed the league of Smalcald for their 
mutual defence. 

In 1530, sat the diet of Augsburgh, at which 
was presented the famous confession of faith 
sketched by Luther, and elaborately drawn 
up by Melancthon. At this diet a decree was 
passed against the Lutherans, still more vio- 
lent than the edict of Worms. 

But Charles was so busied with wars against 
the Turks, the French, and others, that he 
was not able, for many years, to carry on a 
persecution. Luther, too, continually strove 
to prevent any violent measures on the part of 
the protestants, so that peace was maintained 
during his life. Various concessions, however, 
were gained from the emperor, and, under the 
indefatigable labours of the reformer, the cause 
of truth spread, and became more established 
from year to year. 

At length, his health having been gra- 
dually declining for some time, in 1546, Lu- 
ther closed his valuable life at Isleben, the 
place of his nativity, whither he had gone, 
though in a rigorous season, to compose a 



LIFE OF LUTHER. 253 

jp 

difference among the counts of Mansfeldt. 
His funeral was celebrated, by order of the 
elector of Saxony, with extraordinary pomp. 



NOTE. 

Notice of the prominent events occurring in Germany, 
from the diet of Augsburgh to the year 1546, will be 
found in the preceding history of the Reformation in 
England. 



wwm 



THE LIFE OF CALVIN 



John Chauvin, or, as he is usually called, 
John Calvin, was born at Noyon, in Picardy, 
on the 10th of July, 1509. In the house of 
a noble family, he received^ in his childhood, 
the rudiments of a liberal education, and, 
along with the children of that family, he was 
sent to Paris, where he advanced in learning 
with great rapidity. At the age of twelve he 
is supposed to have received the tonsure, or 
the first part of the ceremony of ordination, 
according to the rites of the Romish church. 
He was then presented with a benefice; and, 
in 1527, with another; which, in 1529, he 
exchanged for a curacy in the native place of 
his father. Here he sometimes preached, 
though he was attached to the clergy only by 



Z56 SKETCH OF THE 

the tonsure. But his father, anxious to see 
him prosperous in the things of the present 
life, diverted his attention, with some difficulty, 
to the study of the civil law. At the univer- 
sity of Orleans, and also at that of Bourges, 
he attained the first rank among his fellow 
students. As a mark of high respect, the 
faculty of the former unanimously voted him 
a doctor's degree. 

But the study of the law by no means en- 
grossed his entire attention. Through the in- 
strumentality of Peter Olivetan, a near kins- 
man, he became acquainted with the doctrines 
of the reformation, then spreading in France. 
Obtaining the holy scriptures, he applied him- 
self to the study of them with the greatest as- 
siduity, until, at length, he determined to re- 
nounce the superstitions of Rome. 

While at Bourges, he occasionally preach- 
ed at Ligniers, a small town in the province of 
Berri. But the death of his father suddenly 
recalled him to Noyon. 

At the age of twenty-two, he prepared and 
published a commentary on Seneca's epistle 
concerning clemency. This he did for the 
purpose of impressing mild and tolerant prin- 
ciples on the government of France; as, from 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 257 

observing the progress of the reformed doc- 
trines, he anticipated much persecution. 

Left to his own choice of a pursuit for life, 
he renounced his legal studies, devoted him- 
self to the cause of religion, and became ac- 
tive in illustrating and confirming the doctrines 
of the Bible, in the private assemblies held at 
Paris. 

Pursuant to the advice of Calvin, Nicholas 
Cop, rector of the university of Paris, deli- 
vered a discourse, on the festival of All-saints, 
animadverting on the superstitions of the day. 
This gave great offence. Cop was obliged to 
fly. Calvin, who also was pursued, escaped 
by being absent from his lodgings, but his 
papers were seized, to the great hazard of 
many of his friends, whose letters in favour of 
reformation were among them. The queen 
of Navarre interposed, and arrested the fury 
of the inquisition. Calvin was kindly re- 
ceived at her house ; and, through her inter- 
cession with the king, his personal safety was 
secured. 

From Paris, Calvin retired to Saintonge. 

While there, he wrote, at the request of his 

friend Lewis du Tillet, some short Christian 

exhortations, which were used as homilies for 

x2 



258 SKETCH OF THE 

the purpose of awakening an inquiry after 
truth among the people. 

In 1534, he returned to Paris. "There 
he was to have had a conference with Serve- 
tus, who had begun to propagate his heterodox 
opinions respecting the Trinity: but Servetus 
failed to appear, though Calvin attended at 
the time and place appointed, at the imminent 
hazard of his life; for this year was peculiarly 
troublesome and dangerous to the reformed." 
The French king ordered eight of them to be 
burned alive, and "swore that he would not 
spare even his own children, if they were in- 
fected with such abominable heresies." 

Calvin departed to Basil, in Switzerland, 
where, in 1535, he published his celebrated 
Institutes of the Christian Religion. The de- 
sign of this work was to defend the reformers 
from the aspersions of the papists, who were 
endeavouring to confound them with the ana- 
baptist enthusiasts. In a preface, dedicating 
it to Francis I., the author endeavoured to 
soften the persecuting spirit of that monarch. 
This preface is distinguished by the elegance 
of its Latin, and the Institutes themselves are 
in the highest estimation with all who hold 
their views of doctrine. They were, in sub- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. £59 

sequent editions, repeatedly revised and en- 
larged by Calvin, and have been translated into 
a variety of languages. 

After publishing this work, the reformer 
went into Italy, on a visit to the duchess of 
Ferrara, a nursing mother of protestantism; 
but the inquisition hearing of his arrival, com- 
pelled him to depart. He returned to France, 
but, on account of the persecution still raging 
there, he resolved to take up his abode in 
Basil or Strasburgh, and pursue his studies 
in quiet seclusion. On his way, he found the 
direct road to the latter place impeded by the 
troops of the emperor, then invading France. 
In consequence of this, he changed his route, 
intending to pass through Geneva. Arrived 
at that city, he was arrested in his course by 
the reformers, Farel and Viret, who entreated 
him to remain and assist them in their labours. 
He refused, until, at length, Farel addressed 
him in the language of imprecation — " I de- 
clare to you, in the name of Almighty God, if, 
under the pretext of love to your studies, you 
refuse to unite your labours with ours, in the 
work of the Lord, the Lord will curse you in 
your retirement, as seeking your own will, 
and not his." Awed by this appeal Calvin 



260 SKETCH OF THE 

yielded. He accepted of the office which was 
offered him, and became both a preacher and 
professor of divinity. This occurred in 1536. 

The Genevese had lately banished their 
bishop, who, contrary to the gospel, was 
prince as well as pastor, and who, moreover, 
was a persecuting papist. They had also 
defeated the duke of Savoy, who claimed 
some authority over them; and had formed 
themselves into a republic, under four syn- 
dicks, twenty-five senators, and a council of 
two hundred — the officers recognised by their 
ancient constitution. The principles of the 
reformation had been spread among them by 
the labours of Farel and Viret, and, in full 
assembly, they had renounced the pope. 

Perceiving that this people, though reform- 
ed in name, were far from being all reformed 
in fact, Calvin, immediately on his settlement 
among them, entered upon a course of active 
labours. He prepared a formula of Christian 
faith, and a catechism; and, in 1537, with 
the help of Farel and Corault, he succeeded in 
making the senate and people openly abjure 
the church of Rome, and swear to a summary 
of doctrine and form of discipline which he 
had drawn up. The church government re- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 261 

cognised by this form, was presbyterian, 
though, from a work written by him in 1544, 
on the subject of reforming the church, it 
would appear that he desired another — "If 
they would bring unto us," says he, " such a 
hierarchy, wherein the bishops shall so rule 
as that they refuse not to submit themselves to 
Christ, that they depend upon him as their 
only head, &c. then, surely, if there should 
be any that shall not submit themselves to that 
hierarchy, reverently, and with the greatest 
obedience that may be, I confess there is no 
anathema of which they are not worthy."* 

But, though his labours were thus successful, 
he was not without difficulties. The anabap- 
tists endeavoured to spread their disorganizing 
tenets at Geneva. With them, he held a pub- 
lic disputation, and they were defeated. One 
Peter Caroli, an outcast from the Sorbonne, 
accused him of heretical notions on the sub- 
ject of the Trinity. The reformer proposed 
to assemble a synod of ministers in the canton 
of Bern. These pronounced Caroli guilty 
of defamation. He, however, persisted in his 
charge, and was, at length, banished by the 

* See No. IV. of the Appendix, 



26£ SKETCH OF THE 

senate. But the greatest trouble arose from the 
Genevese themselves. They had sworn to up- 
hold the principles of the gospel ; but the majo- 
rity had not yet received them in their hearts. 
Many wished to live in sinful practices, with 
none to molest or make them afraid. Animo- 
sities, engendered during the war with the 
duke of Savoy, divided many families and 
individuals, producing the most injurious 
effects. Against these, Calvin and his col- 
leagues preached, and exerted their official 
influence. They called, also, on the civil au- 
thority to interfere for the preservation of 
public morals. But, their enemies were only 
exasperated; and the more violent wished for 
nothing so much as to relieve themselves from 
the vigilance of such pastors. A controversy, 
which arose about this time, between the 
church of Geneva, and that of Bern, on the 
subject of ceremonies, gave the disaffected 
an opportunity of gaining their wish. The 
church of Geneva was in the habit of using 
leavened bread in the eucharist; had removed 
all the baptismal fonts, and abolished every 
festival except Sunday. Of these things the 
churches of the canton of Bern disapproved; 
and, by a synod held at Lausanne, required 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 263 

a change. This requisition the ministers of 
Geneva refused to obey, alleging that they 
had not been called to the synod, and demand- 
ing the privilege of being heard. The demand 
was acceded to, and a council appointed to be 
held at Zurich, to decide. But, taking advan- 
tage of the refusal to obey the synod of Lau- 
sanne, the enemies of Calvin procured an order 
from an assembly of the people, that he, with 
Fare! and Corault, should leave the city in 
two days. " Had I been/' said he, " in the 
service of men, this would have been a poor 
reward; but it is well. I have served Him 
who never fails to repay his servants whatever 
he has promised." 

The banished ministers proceeded to the 
council of Zurich — the synod of the Swiss 
churches. This synod directed the church of 
Bern to use its influence with the Genevese, 
to revoke their decree of expulsion. The in- 
tercession was made, but it did not avail. 

Calvin repaired to Strasburgh, where he 
became, once more, professor of theology, and 
preacher of the gospel. He collected a French 
church, which he modelled after the plan of 
that at Geneva. He discharged the duties of 
his professorship with so much ability, that the 



264 SKETCH OF THE 

seminary at Strasburgh increased in celebrity, 
and in the number of students. In 1539, he 
published a commentary on the Romans; and 
a small work on the Lord's Supper, intended 
to allay the controversy between the adherents 
of Luther and Zuingle. He addressed sun- 
dry letters to the church of Geneva. He 
returned an answer to an able and eloquent 
letter of cardinal Sadolet, to the Genevese, 
endeavouring to recal them to the Romish com- 
munion. This answer so unmasked the abo- 
minations of popery, that the cardinal was com- 
pletely frustrated. 

In 1540, Calvin was married. In 1541, he 
was appointed by the divines of Strasburgh 
"to attend the diet convoked to meet at 
Worms, and afterwards at Ratisbon, for set- 
tling the religious differences which had arisen 
in Germany/' While there, he proved highly 
useful to the protestants of France, procuring 
an address from the states and princes assem- 
bled to the French king, in behalf of the per- 
secuted. 

The lapse of two years caused a great 
change in the face of affairs at Geneva. A 
desire for Calvin's return became general, and 
an embassy was sent to entreat him. He, at 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 265 

first, refused, but, after much solicitation, and 
some intercession, consented. He arrived at 
Geneva on the 13th of September, 1541. He 
was received with gratulations, and the senate 
made a public acknowledgment to God for so 
signal a benefit. 

He immediately attended to the subject of 
discipline. " He projected a kind of police, 
and procured the establishment of a tribunal 
called the consistory, with power to take cog- 
nizance of all offences, and to inflict canonical 
punishments, even to excommunication. In 
cases requiring the infliction of severe penalties, 
it reported to the council of the city, with its 
own judgment on the evidence adduced." 
Considerable opposition was made, but Cal- 
vin's system was, at length, adopted. 

The course of labours on which he now en- 
tered, was extremely severe. He preached 
every day of every other week: on Monday, 
Tuesday, and Wednesday, he gave lectures 
in theology: on Thursday, he presided in the 
meeting of the presbytery; and on Friday, ex- 
pounded the scriptures to the congregation. 
Besides all this, he carried on an extensive 
correspondence, composed various works of 
controversy, defended the reformation against 



266 SKETCH OF THE 

its numerous enemies, assisted the council of 
Geneva, by deciding points of law and framing 
edicts, and produced works of learning and 
ability, intended for general edification. 

"The deference shown to Calvin's opinions, 
and the respect paid to his personal character, 
were astonishing. His disapprobation of any 
tenet was sufficient to procure its rejection, 
and all who treated him ill were considered 
as enemies of the state. Castalio, having at- 
tempted to disseminate some doctrines which 
Calvin abhorred, was instantly denounced as 
a heretic, and obliged to leave Geneva/' 

In 1544, he published a work entitled, 
" The necessity of reforming the church ;" 
and another "against the errors and fanati- 
cism of the anabaptists and libertines." He 
exposed the fallacy of the position held by the 
libertines, that God is the author of sin. This 
last work offended the queen of Navarre: but 
he succeeded in regaining her good opinion. 

The vices of many of the Genevese caused 
them to organize faction after faction against 
the discipline of the church. Continual at- 
tempts were made to wrest the power of ex- 
communication Out of the hands of the con- 
sistory, and place it in the senate. The re- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 267 

former was obliged to be always on the alert. 
He preached closely. He laboured faith- 
fully. At one time, a body of the disaffected, 
led on by Perrin, had gained so considerable 
an advantage, that the council of two hundred 
was convoked. On the day of their assem- 
bling, September 16th, 1547, Calvin, being 
apprehensive of a tumult, went to the council 
chamber. He found before the door a noisy 
crowd, whose violence it was difficult to ap- 
pease; and, even in the hall of legislation, it 
was only by his thrusting his body between 
their contending swords that he restrained 
the combatants. The result was, that the 
consistory was allowed to retain its spiritual 
authority. 

Calvin, from time to time, exercised a 
watchful care over the protestant churches in 
France. As early as 1537, he wrote to his 
friend Ceminus, showing the danger of a com- 
pliance with popish superstition, into which 
some were falling; and also to Roussel, bishop 
of Oleron, exhorting him to a faithful dis- 
charge of the episcopal office: and he continu- 
ed thus to counsel both individuals and com- 
munities. He repeatedly applied to the 
German princes, to use their influence with 



268 SKETCH OF THE 

Francis I. in order to procure toleration. 
And when, notwithstanding all these applica- 
tions, in 1545, the storm of persecution burst 
over the vallies of Piedmont, and men, women, 
and children, were put to the sword, or enve- 
loped in the flame, because they would not 
declare themselves papists, he extended his 
protection to such as were able to escape, and 
procured for many of them an asylum in Ge- 
neva. 

Calvin had, also, considerable correspon- 
dence with the reformers of the church of 
England. In October, 1548, he wrote to the 
protector, entreating him to press on in the 
good work, approving of what had been 
already done, and giving wholesome counsel. 
In the course of his letter, he drew up what 
he considered a summary of Christian doc- 
trines, in the following words, viz. "That 
we have one God, the Governor of our con- 
sciences: for the direction of these, we must 
make use of his law alone, for the rule of 
devotion, lest we bring to his worship any of 
the vain traditions of men: he must, more- 
over, be worshipped by all, according to his 
own nature, with the whole mind and heart. 
But since there is nothing in us except a mise- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 269 

rable corruption, which occupies both our 
senses and affections, we must acknowledge 
that entire abyss of iniquity, and dread it 
when acknowledged. In this manner, having 
obtained a true knowledge of our state, as 
being in ourselves, broken, wounded, lost, 
deprived of all dignity and wisdom, and finally 
of any power to do good, we must, at last, 
flee to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only foun- 
tain of all blessings, to partake of whatever 
he offers, and principally that incomparable 
treasure of his death and passion; by which 
method alone we may become entirely re- 
conciled to God, the Father. Purified by the 
sprinkling of his blood, we shall be assured 
that none of those stains will remain in us, 
which would cover us with shame before his 
celestial throne. We shall be persuaded of 
the efficacy of his perpetual sacrifice, by which 
we have sealed to us the gratuitous remission 
of sins, and on which we must fasten as the 
refuge and anchor of salvation. Being sanc- 
tified by his spirit, we shall be consecrated in 
obedience to the righteousness of God; and 
confirmed by his grace, we shall come off more 
than conquerors over Satan, the world, and the 
flesh. Being members of his body, we shall 
Y 2 



270 SKETCH OF THE 

not doubt but that God will number us in the 
family of his children; and we shall address 
him with entire confidence by the legitimate 
and endearing name of Father. This is the 
design of the true doctrine, which is ever to 
be preserved and heard, by all in the church 
of God, that all may sincerely aim at this 
work; and that each individual, gradually 
withdrawing himself from the world, may 
raise himself to Christ his head, who is in 
heaven, by perseverance, prayer, and habitual 
holiness." " The door," said he, " must be 
shut against various innovations. The only 
means to be used for this purpose, is, to have 
a summary of doctrine received by all, which 
they may follow in preaching. To the obser- 
vance of this, all bishops and clergy should be 
bound by oath." Again, he said, " the church 
of God cannot be without a catechism; for 
therein the true seed of doctrine is to be con- 
tained, from which, at length, the pure and 
seasonable harvest will be matured; and 
from this the seed may be multiplied abun- 
dantly." And again — " As to the formula of 
prayers, and ecclesiastical ceremonies, I very 
much approve that a proper one should exist, 
from which the pastors should not be permitted 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 271 

to vary, in the exercise of their office; and 
which might consult the simplicity and igno- 
rance of some persons, and also establish a 
more certain agreement of all the churches 
among themselves. This would, moreover, 
put a check upon the instability and levity of 
those persons, who might attempt innovations, 
and it would have the same tendency as I 
have before shown the catechism would have. 
Thus ought to be established a catechism, the 
administration of the sacraments, and the pub- 
lic formula of prayers." 

Along with this letter to the protector, Cal- 
vin sent one to the king. The correspondence 
between him and the reformers of England, 
was continued from year to year. In 1552, 
Cranmer addressed to Calvin a letter, of which 
the following is an extract: 

"Thomas Cranmer to Calvin, greeting: 
As nothing tends more to separate the churches 
of God, than heresies and differences about 
the doctrines of religion, so nothing more effec- 
tually unites them, and fortifies more power- 
fully the fold of Christ, than the uncorrupted 
doctrine of the gospel, and union in received 
opinions. I have often wished, and now wish, 
that those learned and pious men, who excel 



%7& SKETCH OF THE 

others in erudition and judgment, would as- 
semble in some convenient place, where, hold- 
ing a mutual consultation, and comparing their 
opinions, they might discuss all the heads of 
ecclesiastical doctrine, and agree not only con- 
cerning the things themselves, but the forms of 
expression, and deliver to posterity some work, 
with the weight of their authority." In an- 
swer to this, speaking of the importance of 
purging " the pure doctrine of the church/ 5 
Calvin addressing himself to Cranmer, said — 
" It is especially your duty, most accomplish- 
ed prelate, as you sit more elevated in the 
watch-tower, to continue your exertions for ef- 
fecting this object. I do not say this to stimu- 
late you afresh; as you have already, of your 
own accord preceded others, and voluntarily 
exhorted them to follow your steps. I would 
only confirm you in this auspicious and distin- 
guished labour by my congratulation. We 
have heard of the delightful success of the 
gospel in England." "I know, moreover, 
that your purpose is not confined to England 
alone; but, at the same moment, you consult 
the benefit of all the world. The generous 
disposition and uncommon piety of his majesty, 
the king, are justly to be admired, as he is 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 273 

pleased to favour this holy purpose of holding 
such a council, and offers a place for its ses- 
sion in his kingdom. I wish it might be 
effected, that learned and stable men, from the 
principal churches, might assemble in some 
place, and, after discussing with care, each 
article of faith, deliver to posterity, from their 
general opinion of them all, the clear doctrine 
of the scriptures. " After declaring his wil- 
lingness to attend this synod, Calvin con- 
cludes, by saying — " I not only exhort you, 
but I conjure you to proceed, until something 
shall be effected, if not every thing you could 
wish. Farewell, most accomplished prelate, 
sincerely respected by me. May the Lord go 
on to guide you by his spirit, and bless your 
holy labours." Something occurring to prevent 
the proposed council, Calvin wrote afterwards 
to the archbishop, "Since we can by no 
means expect at this time, what we so much 
desired, that the principal doctors, from those 
churches which have embraced the pure doc- 
trines of the gospel, should assemble, and, 
from the word of God, publish a definite and 
luminous confession, concerning all the points 
now controverted; I very much approve, reve- 
rend sir, of your design, that the English should 



x>74 SKETCH OF THE 

maturely determine their religion among them- 
selves." " It is especially your business, 
and that of all those who have the government 
in their hands, to unite your exertions to effect 
this object. You see what your station re- 
quires, and more imperiously demands of you, 
in return for the office which you hold by his 
favour. The chief authority is in your hand., 
confirmed both by the greatness of the honour, 
and the long established opinion concerning 
your prudence and integrity." 

The enemies of Calvin at Geneva still con- 
tinued to assail him. They heaped upon him 
every variety of insult. He caused them to be 
arraigned before the senate, and, in Decem- 
ber, 1548, they renewed their oath to be 
reconciled. " He had a keen controversy 
with Jerome Bolseck, a Carmelite friar, who 
impugned his peculiar doctrine of absolute pre- 
destination, and openly taught the sentiments 
on that subject, which were afterwards main- 
tained by Arminius. They disputed the 
point in church; but Calvin displayed such a 
superiority in argument and erudition, that, in 
the judgment of all present, he obtained the 
victory; and, according to custom, his antago- 
nist, who, besides his difference with Calvin, 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 275 

was of a troublesome temper, was first cast 
into prison, and then banished from the city/* 

Among other plans made use of at Geneva, 
for promoting the spread of the truth, it was 
decreed by the senate, that the ministers 
should, at stated times, visit every family, 
attended by the decurion of each ward, and 
a ruling elder, and question each person sum- 
marily, concerning the reason of his faith. 
This was followed by the best consequences. 

In 1553, Michel Servetus, a Spanish phy- 
sician, who had become notorious for sundry 
heresies, being condemned to death by the pa- 
pists at Vienna, lied for his life. After wan- 
dering for some time as a fugitive, he arrived, 
at length, at Geneva. Calvin caused him to 
be apprehended and brought before the se- 
nate. The charges against him were, blas- 
phemy and heresy. Calvin was appointed to 
hold a public disputation with him. The 
senate submitted to his choice, whether he 
would be sent back to the papists at Vienna, 
or abide by their decision. Servetus chose 
the latter; whereupon he was brought to trial. 
The charges against him were declared to be 
proved. From this judgment he appealed to 
the four Swiss churches; and to them the 



276 SKETCH OF THE 

senate forwarded the charges, proofs and re- 
plies. They also decided against him, and 
advised his execution; and, accordingly, on 
the 27th October, he was burnt. Calvin 
endeavoured to have the mode of his execu- 
tion changed; but, as he said in his letter to 
Farel, he hoped the sentence, at least, would 
be capital. In viewing this event, we are 
led to regret that the principles of toleration 
were so little understood. Even the refor- 
mers appear not to have arrived at a perfect 
conviction that prayer and sound argument 
are the only legitimate weapons against he- 
resy. 

Bertilier, clerk of the council of Geneva, 
having been excommunicated by the consisto- 
ry, appealed to the senate, and, that body 
deciding against him, he carried the subject 
before the council. There a decree was passed 
in his favour, in which the senate subsequent- 
ly coincided. Calvin, who contended that the 
church alone had the power of spiritual cen- 
sures, went to the church a short time after- 
wards, to administer the sacrament of the sup- 
per. Before proceeding to the distribution of 
the elements, he resolutely declared, " After 
the example of Chrysostom, sooner will I suf- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 877 

fer death, than permit this hand to administer 
the holy things of the Lord to those who are 
lawfully condemned as despisers of God." 
Bertilier declined approaching the table, and 
the senate recalled their decree. 

The persecution, which arose in England 
on the accession of queen Mary, having driven 
many of the reformers of that country to the 
continent, and, among those who took refuge 
at Frankfort, a difference of opinion arising on 
the subject of the liturgy, Calvin wrote ex- 
horting them to peace. He advised them to 
make their liturgy as pure as possible, leaving 
out every thing that savoured of popery. A 
part of these exiles removed to Geneva. 

In 1554, a controversy arose at Strasburgh 
on the subject of the eucharist. This Calvin 
endeavoured to allay. In a letter written to 
the pastor of the church of Strasburgh, com- 
plaining of the severity used toward a fellow 
minister, he says, " If that excellent servant of 
God, and faithful doctor of the church, Lu- 
ther, was now living, even he would not be so 
severe or implacable, but that he would wil- 
lingly admit this confession, that what the 
sacraments represent, is truly given us; and, 
therefore, in the Lord's supper we are made 



i 



278 SKETCH OF THE 

partakers of the body and blood of Christ. 
For, how often has he declared, that the only 
ground of his contention was, that it might be 
manifest, that the Lord did not trifle with us 
by empty signs, but that he effected within, 
what he proposed to our eyes, and thence the 
effect was connected with the signs. This is 
agreed upon among us, unless I am greatly 
deceived, that the Lord's supper is not a thea- 
trical spectacle of the spiritual food, but that 
what is represented is really given; because, 
at the supper, the pious souls are fed with the 
flesh and blood of Christ." This controversy 
about the eucharist, was continued with va- 
rious persons, even as late as 1561. Calvin 
wrote several tracts upon the subject, defend- 
ing and explaining the articles of agreement 
entered into by the Swiss churches, &c. He 
had various other controversies, as, one with 
Gribauld, a heretic, who was banished from 
Geneva. Bolseck, who had before been 
banished from Geneva, being in the canton of 
Bern, and there attacking anew, the doctrine 
of Divine sovereignty, Calvin repaired thither 
to contend with him. The result was, that 
Bolseck was ordered to depart from the terri- 
tory of that canton, as was also Castalio, 



rftiHt- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 279 

another opponent of Calvin. The two senates 
of Bern and Geneva, entered into an agree- 
ment, that those who, on account of heresy, 
were banished from the territory of one, should 
not be allowed to remain in the territory of the 
other. 

In 1558, Calvin wrote to the landgrave of 
Hesse, entreating him to intercede with Henry 
II., the successor of Francis on the throne of 
France, in behalf of the protestants, who were 
persecuted with the utmost fury; twenty-one 
of them being burned alive at Paris. From 
year to year, the persecution continued to rage, 
and, at the same time, the truth continued to 
spread. Geneva itself was threatened, but 
the storm was averted. .1 

In 1560, a new seminary was dedicated to 
the service of God, at Geneva. The buildings 
were large, and professors numerous. Cal- 
vin held the theological chair, and Beza was 
made president. This institution was intend- 
ed as a means of spreading the doctrines of 
the reformation. 

The persecution in France driving some of 
the protestants of that country to England, 
where Elizabeth now shielded the reformation, 
they were received 'with hospitality, and a 



e 



280 SKETCH OF THE 

place of worship appointed them, in which 
they might conduct their exercises according 
to the Genevese mode. Grindall, bishop of 
London, especially, became their friend. To 
him Calvin wrote in the most respectful and 
grateful terms. He also dedicated to Eliza- 
beth the last edition of his Institutes. 

Calvin's life drew near its close. In 1556, 
he was seized with a quartan ague, which con- 
tinued its attacks until he was reduced to the 
greatest debility, insomuch, that, in 1558, he 
was obliged to omit his public sermons and 
lectures in theology, though he still devoted 
day and night to dictating and writing letters. 
"How unpleasant to me," he would say 
sometimes, " is an idle life." In a letter to a 
friend, written in 1560, he informed him that 
he dictated from his bed, " where, according 
to my custom, I lie down one half of my time, 
that I may be able to improve with more 
strength, the remaining hours." His active 
mind rose superior to the sufferings of his 
body. When oppressed with head-ache, 
weakness of the bowels, and the pains of the 
gout, he would dictate till his amanuensis was 
wearied. On the 2d February, 1564, he 
preached his last sermon, and closed his theo- 



LIFE OF CALVIN. 281 

logical lectures. The asthma had almost 
destroyed his voice. His end rapidly drew 
nigh. Amid the severest pains, he was patient 
and tranquil, often exclaiming, " How long, 
O Lord." He still continued his mental la- 
bours, and when his friends expostulated, he 
said, "What! would you that when the Lord 
comes, he should surprise me in idleness ?" 
On the 27th of March, he was carried to the^ 
council chamber, where he presented Beza 
to the patronage of the senate. On the 2d of 
April, he was carried to the house of worship 
in an easy chair, and received, for the last time, 
the sacrament, from the hands of Beza. On 
the 25th, he made his will, commending his 
soul to God. He gave his parting advice to 
the senators, and also to the ministers of the 
church. He had himself been perpetual 
moderator of the presbytery. " When I first 
came to this city," said he, " the gospel was 
indeed preached, but the affairs of religion 
were in a most disordered state, as if Chris- 
tianity consisted in nothing but the destruction 
of images. There were many wicked men, 
from whom I suffered many extreme indigni- 
ties; but the Lord God himself, so strength- 
ened me, even me, I say, who am by nature so 
z2 



282 SKETCH OF, &c. 

timid, (I speak as the fact is) that I was ena- 
bled to resist all their efforts/' " Persevere 
then, my brethren, in your vocation," &c. 
" After this, his few remaining days were de- 
voted to prayer and meditation; and, on the 
24th of May, he calmly fell asleep in Jesus." 



a>: 



THE LIFE OF ZUINGLE 



Ulric Zuingle, or Zuinglius, was born 
January 1, 1484, at Wildhausen, in the county 
of Tockenburgh, in Switzerland. His edu- 
cation, which was liberal, was completed at 
the university of Vienna. In his 18th year, 
he became classical teacher at Basil. Four 
years afterwards he took the degree of M. A. 
tmd, being chosen pastor of Glarus, was or- 
dained by the bishop of Constance. Having 
been trained by a teacher who accustomed 
him to think for himself, without being tram- 
melled by the system of the schools, he pur- 
sued his inquiries to a discovery of the cor- 
ruptions of Rome. The New Testament was 



284 SKETCH OF THE 

his principal counsellor. He made that the 
directory of his faith, and he also attended to 
many of those authors who had been censured 
by the papacy. But, though he had thus be- 
come dissatisfied with existing errors, he did 
not immediately separate from the pope, but, 
for ten years, pursued a course of practical in- 
struction at Glarus, contenting himself with 
exposing, from time to time, some of the su- 
perstitions of the church. From Glarus he 
removed to the abbey of Einsidlin. While 
there, he preached against vows, pilgrimages, 
and offerings; he caused the relics to be buried; 
the inscription over the abbey gate — " Here 
plenary remission of sins is obtained," to be 
effaced; and he introduced among the nuns the 
habit of reading the New Testament. He 
also taught the necessity of purity of heart and 
life. He became more and more eminent, and 
excited more and more jealousy in such as 
were opposed to reformation, but his eccle- 
siastical superiors allowed him, as yet, to re- 
main unmolested. In 1519, he was invited to 
the cathedral at Zurich. On being installed 
there, he announced his intention of preaching 
from the gospel of Matthew, with no other 
comment than the scriptures would afford him. 



LIFE OF ZUINGLE. 285 

This novel plan of expounding fully the word 
of God drew together large auditories., and ex- 
cited great admiration. The iniquitous traffic 
of indulgences, which roused the spirit of Lu- 
ther in Saxony, was carried into Switzerland. 
The agent whose business it was to dispose of 
these lures to perdition, met with great success/ 
until he came to Zurich; there, he was so 
effectually opposed by Zuingle, that he was 
obliged to quit the city, and retire into Italy. 
Zuingle was a man of adventurous genius, 
and of great intrepidity. He was remarkable 
for his penetration, and, above all, was learned 
in the word of God; so that he was well qua- 
lified to be a leader in the cause of truth. So 
sensible were the papists of his weight of cha- 
racter, that he was much courted by the cardi- 
nals, and pope Adrian sent him, by his nuncio^ 
a brieve written with his own hand. More- 
over, the force of Italian gold was tried upon 
him, but he was not open to a bribe. 

Being an enemy to offensive war, Zuingle, 
in 1522, obtained the passage of a law, in the 
assembly of the canton of Zurich, abolishing 
all alliances and subsidies for the term of 
twenty-five years. 

He declared the superiority of the rules of 



286 SKETCH OF THE 

the gospel over those of ecclesiastical disci- 
pline, and when some persons were denounced 
to the magistrate, for infringing the fast of 
Lent, without a dispensation, he defended 
them. The word of God he considered the 
authority from which there was no appeal, 
and the decisions of the church as binding 
only so far as they were founded in that word. 
At length he openly avowed the principles 
of the reformation, and when, in consequence, 
he was called to give an account of his doc- 
trine, the great council of Zurich decided, 
"That Zuingle, having been neither convicted 
of heresy, nor refuted, should continue to 
preach the gospel as he had already done; 
that the pastors of Zurich, and its territory, 
should rest their discourses on the words of 
scripture alone." But, though he was thus 
supported by the magistracy, he appeared 
more anxious to lay a solid foundation for a 
salutary change, by instructing the people, 
than to hazard too much by hastily abolishing 
ceremonies and modes of worship. In 1524, 
the pictures and statues were removed, and, 
step by step, the simplicity of the gospel was 
introduced, until, in 1525, the mass was abo- 
lished. 



' 



LIFE OF ZU1NGLE 287 

In 1525, the anabaptists attacked Zu ingle, 
They began by insinuating into the minds of 
the people that the reformation was not suffi- 
ciently spiritual. They then addressed Zuin- 
gle himself, charging him with conducting 
the business of religion in a slow and frigid 
manner. They insisted on the necessity of 
adult baptism in all cases, and declared re- 
baptization the criterion of a union with Christ. 
The senate caused conferences to be held on 
the subject, but they were in vain. The 
anabaptists at length became furious. They 
boasted of having all things in common, and 
threatened destruction to all who would not 
follow their example. They also pretended 
to prophecy — crying "Wo to Zurich! Wo 
to Zurich! Repent, or perish!" — allowing 
the same space for repentance that was allow- 
ed to Nineveh. Other conferences were 
appointed, but these fanatics were not open to 
argument. Finally, the senate made their 
offence capital, and, a year or two after, one 
of them suffered. 

Zuingle differed from Calvin on the sub- 
ject of the Divine decrees, and from Luther 
on the manner of Christ's presence in the sa- 
crament. Luther, as is well known, held the 



288 SKETCH OF THE 

doctrine of consubstantiation. Zuingle, on 
the other hand, regarded the Lord's supper 
as only commemorative and symbolical. Be- 
tween these two, and their respective adhe- 
rents, a vehement controversy was carried on, 
which continued for several years, to the great 
injury of the reformation. At length, in 1529, 
Philip, landgrave of Hesse, anxious to close 
the dispute, invited Luther and Zuingle to a 
conference at Marpurg. Thither they re- 
paired, Luther accompanied by Melancthon, 
and Zuingle by Oecolampadius. The argu- 
ment continued four days, after which they all 
signed fourteen articles containing the essen- 
tial doctrines of Christianity, and expressed a 
hope that their difference, with respect to the 
real presence, would not interrupt their har- 
mony. 

The canton of Bern followed that of Zurich 
in adopting the reformation. In an assembly, 
at which Zuingle was present, the subject was 
discussed, and, so triumphant were the refor- 
mers, that, in conclusion, the grand council of 
the canton resolved to adopt their principles. 
Upon this, five of the cantons, who were at- 
tached to popery, entered into a solemn en- 
gagement to prevent the doctrines of Luther 



LIFE OF ZUINGLE. 289 

and Zuinglefrom being preached among them. 
But the hostilities, between the Roman and 
reformed cantons, were terminated by the 
treaty of Coppel, in 1529. This treaty, how- 
ever, was broken, and a battle took place, at 
which Zuingle was present. The Zurichers, 
who had gone to the relief of their countrymen 
at Coppel, were defeated, and Zuingle was 
mortally wounded. His wound deprived him 
of his senses, but, recovering himself, "he 
crossed his arms on his breast and lifted his 
languid eyes to Heaven." In this condition 
he was found by some catholic soldiers, who, 
without knowing him, offered to bring him a 
confessor; but, as he made a sign of refusal, 
the soldiers exhorted him to recommend his 
soul to the Holy Virgin. On a second refusal, 
one of them furiously exclaimed, " Die then, 
obstinate heretic!" and pierced him through 
with a sword. His body was found on the 
next day, and the celebrity of his name drew 
together a great crowd of spectators. One 
of these, who had been his colleague, at Zu- 
rich, after intently gazing on his face, thus 
expressed his feelings: "Whatever may have 
been thy faith, I am sure thou wert always 
sincere, and that thou lovedst thy country. 
2 a 



290 SKETCH OF &c. 






May God take thy soul in mercy!" Among 
the savage herd some voices exclaimed, " Let 
us burn his accursed remains!" The propo- 
sal was applauded; a military tribunal ordered 
the execution, and the ashes of Zuingle were 
scattered to the wind. Thus, at the age of 
47, he terminated a glorious career by an event 
deeply lamented by all the friends of the re- 
formation, and occasioning triumph to the par- 
tizans of the Romish church. 



aipipibshdqsl 



No. I. 

I 

" The term Lollard, in ecclesiastical history, 
was first applied to a religious sect, differing, 
in many points, from the church of Rome, 
which arose in Germany about the beginning 
of the 14th century, so called, as many have 
imagined, from Walter Lollard, who began 
his career of reform in 1315, and was burnt at 
Cologn: though others think that Lollard was 
no surname, but only a term of reproach 
given to such, indiscriminately, as were ac- 
counted heretics, by the church of Rome. 

"Many societies, consisting both of men 
and women, under the name of Lollards, were 
formed in most parts of Germany and Flan- 
ders, and were supported partly by their 
manual labours, and partly by charitable do- 
nations of pious persons.^ # 

JL V * 

• <L *'' 



■ 



292 APPENDIX. * » % ^ 

" The magistrates and inhabitants of the 
towns where these brethren and sisters resided, 
gave them particular marks of favour and pro- 
tection, on account of their great usefulness to 
the sick and needy. Mosheim informs us, 
that many societies of this kind, exempted 
entirely from the jurisdiction of the bishops, 
and ranking among the religious orders, are 
still subsisting at Cologn, and in the cities of 
Flanders, though they have evidently depart- 
ed from their ancient rules. 

" Lollard and his followers rejected the sa- 
crifice of the mass, extreme unction, and 
penances for sin; arguing that Christ's sacri- 
fice was sufficient. He is likewise said to have 
set aside baptism, as a rite of no effect. In 
England, the followers of Wickliffe were call- 
ed, by way of reproach, Lollards, from some 
affinity there was between some of their 
tenets," — Encyc. Britannica. Art Lollards. 



No. II. 

" In iracing the origin of many of the corrup- 
tions pi the church of Rome, we can refer a 
large proportion of. them to a single source-— 



•W 



>fc* 



APPENDIX. 293 

a gross and literal interpretation of the figura- 
tive language of the scriptures. The danger 
of perverting the sense of this portion of the 
sacred writings, arises chiefly from ignorance, 
and the indulgence of interested and carnal 
views of religion. 

" During the earliest and purest ages of 
Christianity, while the Divine Spirit continued 
to shed in abundance his sanctifying light upon 
the church, the simple and expressive phrase- 
ology of the scriptures, w 7 as hardly susceptible 
©f being greatly perverted, from either of 
those causes. The primitive and early litur- 
gies and formularies of the church, often adopt- 
ed, as best suited to express the worship and 
faith of Christians, the very language of the 
scriptures. Hence the figurative expressions, 
used in them all, in relation to the sacraments. 
If we recur to the homilies and expositions of 
the earliest Greek and Latin fathers, we find 
abundant evidence of the fact, that the church 
in those ages, was involved by the figurative 
language of the scriptures, or of their creeds- 
and forms of worship, in none of the errors 
which have subsequently flowed from a gross 
literal interpretation. ^ 

u But the period of superstition, iterance, 
2a2 



294 APPENDIX. 

and ecclesiastical extra vagar j, which com- 
menced as early as the 9th century, and ter- 
minated with the reformation from popery in 
the 16th, exhibited the utmost degeneracy and 
profligacy of character among nominal Chris- 
tians, and gave birth to the most monstrous 
productions of error. 

" Bellarmine informs us that the first who 
wrote seriously and copiously, upon the real 
presence of Christ in the eucharist, was Pas- 
chasius Rhadbertus, who lived towards the 
beginning of the 9th century. 

" The term transubstantiationwas unknown 
in the church until three hundred years after- 
wards. The invention of it is generally attri- 
buted to Stephen, bishop of Autun, in France, 
who lived abput the end of the 12th century. 
The doctrine conveyed by it, was, however, no 
article of faith, as Scotus asserts, prior to the 
council of Lateran, held in 1215. It imports, 
by the unanimous consent of Roman catholic 
writers, 

" 1 . That previous to the act of consecration, 
the bread and wine of the eucharist, consist, as 
all other material things do, of an essential 
substance, imperceptible to the senses; and of 



APPENDIX. 295 

external and sensible qualities, as form, colour, 
consistency, tuste, smell, &c. 

" 2. That by the act of consecration, the 
essential and imperceptible substance of bread 
and wine, is annihilated by the power of God, 
while all the external and sensible qualities of 
the elements, remain unchanged; and that in 
place of the substance of bread and wine, is 
substituted the true body and blood of Jesus 
Christ, which was broken, and shed on the 
cross. 

" 3. That,as an inseparable andeternal union 
of the soul, and body,— and of the divine and 
human nature, of Jesus Christ, took place at 
his incarnation; therefore, where his body is, 
there his soul and divinity must be also: and 
consequently, that in the eucharist, the " body 
and blood, the soul and divinity, of Jesus 
Christ," take the place of the excluded sub- 
stance of the bread and wine: consequently, 

" 4. That " the body and blood, the soul 
and divinity" of Christ, are actually eaten, and 
drunk, and digested, by those who receive the 
consecrated materials: 

" 5. That the whole virtue of the sacrament," 
or the body, blood, &c. of Christ, is contai^d 



298 APPENDIX. 

as truly in either kind separately, as in both 
united: 

" 6. That consecrated bread and wine, both 
before and after the communion, is as truly the 
body and blood of CHirist, as that employed in 
the sacrament: and finally, 

" 7. That the same worship is due to the 
consecrated wafers, and wine, which ought to 
be paid to the person of the Saviour." 



No. III. 

"The presence of Christ in the eucharist, 
under the notion of his pervading, without 
excluding the substance of the elements used 
in that sacrament, and which is denominated 
eoNsuBSTANTiATioN, forms the principal sub- 
ject of disagreement between the Lutheran 
and other reformed churches. Luther pro- 
fessed to hold the doctrine in such a sense as 
to prevent all the absurd consequences dedu- 
cible from the Romish dogma of transubstan- 
tiation. He denied that the sacrament ought 
tojjfce worshipped, or reserved; or that the di- 
vine blessings connected with it, could be ap- 



f. 



APPENDIX. 297 

prehended in a carnal, or in any other than a 
spiritual manner, and by faith in the invisible 
Saviour. While the Lutheran church is still 
ready to maintain its peculiar sentiments, 
specting the Divine presence in this sacra- 
ment, it holds with all the other retqrmed 
churches, in their views of its spiritual cha- 
racter, the nature of the blessing conveyed by 
it, and the preparation necessary for a profits 
able participation in it." 



No. IV. 

The following is the original in which he 
wrote, viz. — "Talem si nobis hierarchiam 
exhibeant, in qua sic emineant episcopi, ut 
Christo subesse non recusent, ut ab illo, tan- 
quam, unico Capite pendeant, et ad ipsum 5 
&c. turn vero nullo non anathemate, dignos 
fateantur, si qui erunt qui non earn reverenter 
summaque obedentia abservent. Calv: de 
necessit Ecc: Reformandae." 



y 



/ 












-y-L 



^ i 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: April 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



"■ li:^::":: iH^^i-O^iii-^r^^^ll^fPli;- -■ ": ~ 



GR ess 








